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

• back-to-back
• consecutive
• sequent
• sequential
• straight
• succeeding
• successional

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

Pause briefly at the top of the exercise to feel your glutes and slowly return to the starting position, completing successive repetitions. —Jakob Roze, Health, 22 July 2024

Evidence of multiple successive firings in this kiln show it was used for various constructions, according to the release. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 17 July 2024

But with every successive creature, Hakeem gets more and more nervous. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 16 July 2024

Xavi and Iniesta played key roles in La Roja winning three successive international trophies between 2008 and 2012, while Villa was integral to Spain winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. —Matias Grez, CNN, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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