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

Bayern Munich have confirmed Jamal Musiala will miss his Saturday’s Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund after fainting in two successive matches. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Members grew up during the violence of the Second Intifada and under successive right-wing governments, most led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when optimism or a road map for a more peaceful future was almost entirely absent. — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026

In fact, Monet wanted gardens full of diverse plants, often arranging them in successive waves of flowers that bloomed for only a few weeks, creating an artwork in itself. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

The New York law says defendants can't have successive prosecution for the same course of conduct and same acts, Levinson said last week. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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