successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv 

1

: following in order : following each other without interruption

their fourth successive victory

2

: characterized by or produced in succession

successively adverb

successiveness noun

Synonyms of successive

• consecutive

Examples of successive in a Sentence

a trait found in successive generations

made the honor roll for three successive school terms

Recent Examples on the Web

Each sculpture was developed through successive layers of clay that were fired repeatedly as glazes to create texture and shape. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Over successive summers, their routine became a framing device. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026

The protagonist, Michael, whose Chinese identity has been eroded by successive generations, is desperately curious about Kun’s dad. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Oil prices fell for a fourth successive day, with the international benchmark dropping to nearly $93 a barrel on traders’ bets that Democrats’ sweeping victories reduced the risk of escalation between Washington and Tehran. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for successive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive

Kids Definition

successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv 

: following in order : following each other without interruption

failed in three successive tries

successively adverb

successiveness noun

Legal Definition

successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv 

1

a

: of or relating to succession

successive rights

b

: created by succession

2

: following in order : following each other without interruption

successive bankruptcy filings

3

: of, relating to, or being a petition for habeas corpus that raises a claim already adjudicated

successively adverb

successiveness noun