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

• 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

Colbert's on-air tribute to his boss comes three months after it was announced The Late Show will be ending after 10 seasons — a decade after Colbert took over for his predecessor David Letterman. —Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

Emphasizing how experiences are the main attraction for luxury shoppers, Lunelli noted that younger generations, which are less interested in ownership compared to their predecessors, seek experiences too whether that be a concert or traveling the world. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025

Her tour of the affected states contrasted with the response taken by her predecessor and mentor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, when Hurricane Otis devastated Mexico’s Pacific Coast in 2023. —Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

In a supporting document filed by Kalshi in the Nevada case in April, Kalshi head of markets Xavier Sottile noted how ErisX, a predecessor to the current sports prediction market craze, previously butted up against the impartial access issue. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025

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