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

The open-top model was bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, the compact Z3, and was available with a manual gearbox until the very end (and its demise is yet another blow to the stick shift’s future at BMW). —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 May 2026

Corbière and Portier’s report notes delays in the implementation of a master plan for security equipment, which was devised during the time of des Cars’ predecessor. —News Desk, Artforum, 14 May 2026

Weighing just 18 pounds (8 kilograms), the chair is light enough to pick up one handed but bulky enough to stay grounded, while a fiber layer atop the cushion similarly counters the flaws of its predecessor by preventing unwanted moisture or noises. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 14 May 2026

Instant Pots are safe Despite their predecessors being risky, modern pressure cookers are made with safety measures in place. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 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