predecessor

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

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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

Montoya, though, is notably less brash than his two former predecessors.

— evan sernoffsky, San Francisco Chronicle, "Martin Halloran out as president of SF police union," 16 May 2018
If the eight sequels in this group sell just 80% of the tickets their immediate predecessors sold, their grosses alone will hit $2 billion at the domestic box office, nearly one-fifth of last year’s total domestic box office.

— erich schwartzel, WSJ, "Get Ready for a Multibillion-Dollar Summer-Movie Battle Royale," 10 May 2018
In a head-to-head comparison with his immediate predecessor, Trump does not fare very well.

— jennifer agiesta, CNN, "CNN Poll: Trump approval steady amid rising outlook for the country," 7 May 2018
Physically, the layout hasn't changed much from its predecessor.

— mark kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "First Bite: Rotisserie chicken is star at Peruvian restaurant in Ferndale," 4 May 2018
Redfield’s two immediate predecessors were not paid under Title 42.

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "The New CDC Director Is Taking a Salary Cut After Congress Asked Questions About His Massive Raise," 1 May 2018
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms shook up her administration on Friday, announcing the departures of several holdovers from former Mayor Kasim Reed’s government, further separating herself from her predecessor.

— stephen deere, ajc, "Atlanta mayor caps rocky month by removing seven top officials," 27 Apr. 2018
Thursday's appointment of Denisa Sakova comes after her two predecessors resigned following large street protests.

— Fox News, "New interior minister sworn in amid slain journalist crisis," 26 Apr. 2018
Pruitt’s team has insisted there are more investigations into threats against Pruitt than there were for his two immediate predecessors.

— emily atkin, The New Republic, "Is Scott Pruitt a Liar?," 10 Apr. 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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