predecessor

noun

pre·de·ces·sor | \ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər,

ˈprē-;ˌpre-də-ˈse-, ˌprē-

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about predecessor

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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 on the Web

Other than that, the new controller — dubbed the N30 2.4G — is virtually the same as its predecessor, with 2.4G wireless, a rechargeable battery, and a basic adaptor that makes for a simplified plug-and-play experience. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, "Nintendo’s NES Classic is getting a new wireless controller in time for its relaunch," 29 June 2018 His presence in Moscow can be an awkward distraction for FIFA and its new president, Gianni Infantino, who comes from a neighboring town in the same Swiss canon (state) as his predecessor. — Graham Dunbar, Fox News, "Banned ex-FIFA president Blatter in Russia for World Cup," 19 June 2018 His presence in Moscow can be an awkward distraction for FIFA and its new president, Gianni Infantino, who comes from a neighboring town in the same Swiss canon (state) as his predecessor. — Washington Post, "Banned ex-FIFA president Blatter in Russia for World Cup," 19 June 2018 Chang’e-4 uses the same basic hardware as its immediate predecessor. — NBC News, "China plans historic mission to the moon's 'dark' side," 15 June 2018 Chinese President Xi Jinping has frozen ties with Taipei since Tsai came to power in 2016 and refused to accept -- as her predecessor had -- that Taiwan is part of China under a framework for dialogue between the two sides. — Debby Wu, Bloomberg.com, "New U.S. Taiwan Office Prompts Questions Over Who'll Lead It," 12 June 2018 Claypool was the second consecutive schools chief under Emanuel to resign amid controversy, as his predecessor, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, was eventually sent to prison for her part in a kickback scheme. — Gregory Pratt, chicagotribune.com, "'Same Old Boss': Teachers union ad targets Emanuel for recent CPS troubles," 30 May 2018 The pipeline proposal is as ambitious as its predecessor, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. — Christopher Solomon, Outside Online, "Alaska Wants to Build a Second 800-Mile Pipeline," 29 May 2018 None of the follow-ups to the big ’98 albums sold as well as their predecessors. — Kenneth Partridge, Billboard, "In Defense of the Swing Revival: Why America Flipped for '40s Sounds in 1998," 29 May 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.