predecessor

noun pre·de·ces·sor \ ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər , ˈprē- ; ˌpre-də-ˈse- , ˌprē- \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Examples: predecessor in a Sentence

Definition of predecessor

1 : one that precedes; especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded

2 archaic : ancestor

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Examples of predecessor in a Sentence

Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were.
the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard

Recent Examples of predecessor from the Web

The result, according to Specialized, is a bike that’s lighter, stiffer, more aerodynamic, and more pleasant to ride than its predecessor.

— Fortune, "Want a Bike Fit for the Tour de France? It Will Cost You About $12,000," 6 July 2018
Cuomo, like most of his predecessors, not to mention de Blasio, is too canny to want to be the face of the M.T.A. Byford, on the other hand, is happy to be out front, fully identified with the subways and buses and fully accountable.

— william finnegan, The New Yorker, "Can Andy Byford Save the Subways?," 2 July 2018
Mosby campaigned on her 92 percent conviction rate, which was lower than her predecessor’s.

— tim prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Marilyn Mosby wins re-election in three-way race for Baltimore state's attorney," 26 June 2018
But the upcoming pro-Trump publications reinforce the difference between his time presidency and those of his predecessors.

— hillel italie, The Seattle Times, "Wave of pro-Trump books coming in summer and fall," 26 June 2018
Despite its smaller size, the ACV has a 690 horsepower engine providing more than 50 percent more horsepower than its predecessor.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Marines Finally Pick a New Amphibious Vehicle To Replace Their Aging Ride," 20 June 2018
Garmin redesigned the smallest model, the 42mm Fenix 5S Plus, to have a display that's about 20 percent larger than its predecessor so those who want a smaller case don't have to sacrifice screen space to get it.

— valentina palladino, Ars Technica, "Garmin brings music, NFC payments, onboard mapping to Fenix 5 Plus watches," 18 June 2018
This redesigned Traverse is a comely critter that’s lighter, easier on gas, peppier, and roomier than its predecessor.

— al haas, Philly.com, "Roomy three-row SUVs appeal to 'child-raising generation'," 7 June 2018
But at least Fallen Kingdom considers the idea of letting go, making it a more thoughtful and interesting film than its immediate predecessor.

— richard lawson, HWD, "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'predecessor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of predecessor

Middle English predecessour, from Anglo-French predecessur, from Late Latin praedecessor, from Latin prae- pre- + decessor retiring governor, from decedere to depart, retire from office — more at decease

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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