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

He was named to the position after his predecessor, Adam Fogleman, stepped down after a decade in order to run for county treasurer. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2026

Despite recent protests over prize money, today’s WTA players make multiple times more than their predecessors. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Still, the experts say, the result of the laws has been significant advancements in knowledge and perception of the Tequesta and their predecessors, and the preservation of at least a portion of some significant sites. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Robert Snyder is the new principal at Munster High School, and his predecessor Morgan Nolan will be shifting to a central office role in operations. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 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