successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
Synonyms of successivenext
1
: following in order : following each other without interruption
their fourth successive victory
2
: characterized by or produced in succession
successively adverb
successiveness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Likewise, Kim won two successive gold medals in halfpipe snowboarding in PyeongChang, South Korea, in 2018 and in Beijing, adding another silver to her count this year. Rafael Nam, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026 The regime in Tehran has held onto power through successive internal and external crises regardless of doomsday prophesizing in Washington or Tel Aviv. Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026 The club has been a valuable source of advice and friendship for successive Irish diplomats in Chicago and has hosted senior Irish government representatives for decades, including the taoiseach in 2010, 2012 and 2019. Brian Cahalane, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 The common factor in all of this is the Federal Reserve (albeit acting in very good faith in response to successive defense, financial and health crises) increased the amount of money sloshing around relative to the size of the economy to unprecedented levels. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for successive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of successive was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv How to pronounce successive (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce successive (audio)
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

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