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

Highlighting her work to improve the MBTA, Healey complimented current Transportation Secretary Phillip Eng, who used to be a leader of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), seemingly acknowledging displeasure with his predecessor. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026

But unlike that cinematic predecessor, in which the pursuer took the form of a variety of strangers, here, the stalker invariably appears as the victim’s crush. —Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026

Compared to his predecessors, Leo XIV is more engaged with the digital world. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026

Trump had used the same nickname for Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and his use of it toward Carney was the latest mark of their soured relationship. —Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 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