predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər  ˈprē- 

ˌpre-də-ˈse-, 

ˌprē-

1

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded

2

archaic : ancestor

Synonyms of predecessor

• forerunner
• ancestor
• precursor

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 on the Web

But much of the responsibility lies with the corruption and repression that intensified under Maduro, who proved a more ruthless strongman than his predecessor. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026

His predecessor, Eric Adams, also rode the subway on his first day, and both Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg made a habit out of it, particularly when seeking to make a political point. —Jake Offenhartz, Fortune, 3 Jan. 2026

Unlike most governors, but similar to his predecessor, Rick Scott, DeSantis became chief executive with no experience in state or local government. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Maduro, like his predecessor Hugo Chavez, drew criticism for his rule. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predecessor

• intercessor
• preprocessor
• vasopressor
• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor

Kids Definition

predecessor

noun

pre·​de·​ces·​sor ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər  ˈprēd- 

: one that precedes

especially : a person who has held a position or office before another

Etymology

Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede