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.
Washington’s defense stopped Philly’s tush push on successive downs Saturday. David Aldridge, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025 In successive steps after the 2007-09 collateralized debt debacle and the 2020-22 COVID-19 crisis, the Federal Reserve has increased the size of the money supply relative to output to the highest level since its inception in 1914. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025 He was first elected governor in 1976 and, after a constitutional change, became the first North Carolina governor elected to successive four-year terms. Gary D. Robertson, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025 Beginning in 2022, the Rangers have ranked in MLB home attendance 18th, 16th, 12th, 17th in successive years. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on successive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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