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

Thiago had produced four successive blanks and there had been a significant drop in his underlying numbers. —Holly Shand, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

Chen’s team has found a way to make the connections between successive layers continuous. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

And both became focal points in the successive but unsuccessful previous votes on how many and which schools to close. —Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

That report, which could help clarify what the city knew and when after now nearly a quarter century of stonewalling by successive mayors, is due in roughly a year and a half. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 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