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 new VoloXPro takes design cues from Volocopter’s flagship VoloCity electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, but is lighter than its predecessor. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

Pope Leo wears more traditional papal clothing than Francis and is less critical than his predecessor of the Latin Mass — a major issue for some Catholic conservatives. —Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

The model also outperformed its predecessor in long-horizon engineering tasks measured by internal benchmarks. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026

Trump’s approval ratings are in line with his predecessor President Biden’s lowest approval rating in AP-NORC polling — 36% — which came during July 2022 after inflation spiked to a four-decade high. —Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 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