successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows

especially : one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Examples of successor in a Sentence

The CEO's successor used to be the vice president here.

the successor to the throne

Recent Examples on the Web

Absent any credible mechanism for choosing a successor, Biya’s solution has been to kick the can down the road. —Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

His exit deals a blow to KU’s quarterback situation as Leipold searches for a successor to Jalon Daniels. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025

Dolan introduced his successor, the 58-year-old bishop from the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, with his signature grace and humility. —Jessica Moore, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

Separately, Unilever has not yet named a successor for Priya Nair, formerly president of the company’s beauty and well-being division. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English successour, from Anglo-French, from Latin successor, from succedere

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for successor

• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor

Kids Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈses-ər 

: one that follows

especially : a person who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Legal Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows : one that succeeds another (as in a position, title, office, or estate)