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

Much of Central Europe has been under a prolonged drought for most of the year, and successive heat waves have accelerated evaporation and caused waterways to dry out. — Justin Spike, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Field crews gathered operational experience from each successive lift, translating those lessons into faster execution, stronger coordination, and a more predictable workflow. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Much of the area burned in Gironde is made up of pine forests and scrubland, which grew uncontrollably this year under successive heat waves. — CBS News, 29 July 2026

Europe has been hit by successive heat waves since late May, and last month was the hottest June on record in Western Europe, according to Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service. — Josh Holder, New York Times, 28 July 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