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

These components are stuffed into a laptop that’s only a smidge larger than its predecessor. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Razer's Blade Stealth gets a long-awaited upgrade to GeForce graphics and a Whiskey Lake CPU," 4 Dec. 2018 The interior, designed by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, pays subtle homage to its midcentury predecessor in the iconic Seagram building. — Olivia Martin, Town & Country, "The New Four Seasons Opens this Week," 13 Aug. 2018 Chris Welch / The Verge Samsung unveiled its flagship Galaxy Note 9, which looks nearly identical to its S9 predecessor but boasts a bigger screen, a huge battery and a more powerful S Pen. — Recode Staff, Recode, "Recode Daily: Fortnite is now available on Android — just in time for Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9," 10 Aug. 2018 The all-new 2018 model is significantly better than its predecessor. — Tom Voelk, New York Times, "26 Vehicles Played in the Mud. Here’s the Dirt.," 12 July 2018 Josephine Ma and Catherine Wong report in the South China Morning Post: The president also highlighted the continuity of party leadership, paying tribute to the achievements of his predecessors one by one. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Human Extinction: Hot Again," 18 Dec. 2018 Unlike some of its predecessors, InSight won’t rove around on the planet’s surface. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "Hanging out at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory," 27 Nov. 2018 Donald Trump disclosed Monday that his campaign and affiliated committees have raised at least $106 million — an enormous sum that exceeds what any of his predecessors amassed so early in their presidencies. — Michelle Ye Hee Lee, The Seattle Times, "Trump reelection campaign has $100 million head start over Democrats," 16 Oct. 2018 All three of its predecessors caught the attention of the Academy, even if their wins were ultimately scarce. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "How Is the New A Star Is Born Different Than Its Predecessors? We’re So Glad You Asked," 3 Oct. 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.