Synonyms of precursor

precursor

noun

pri-ˈkər-sər 

1

as in forerunner

one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another

18th-century lyric poets like Robert Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• harbinger
• symptom
• herald
• sign
• angel
• outrider
• foretaste
• foregoer
• messenger
• forewarning
• foreshadowing
• advertiser
• announcer
• runner
• portent
• foreshadower
• presage
• omen
• crier
• proclaimer
• courier
• bellwether
• foreboder
• foreboding
• auspice
• prefiguring
• blazoner
• augury
• boding
• mark

2

as in ancestor

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

a precursor of the modern eggplant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• ancestor
• prototype
• predecessor
• antecedent
• grandaddy
• original
• archetype
• granddaddy
• originator
• daddy
• model
• foregoer
• mother
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• descendent
• derivative
• by-product
• outgrowth
• offshoot
• son
• daughter
• spin-off

Synonym Chooser

How is the word precursor distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precursor are forerunner, harbinger, and herald. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

In what contexts can forerunner take the place of precursor?

The words forerunner and precursor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

How are the words harbinger and herald related as synonyms of precursor?

Harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season

the herald of a new age in medicine

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of precursor

Both chemicals, Pirro said, are precursor chemicals that could have been used to produce 420,000 pounds of methamphetamine. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025

And just two days later, in perhaps the most severe blow to their bullpen, closer Trevor Megill — with 30 saves in 36 chances — joined him on the IL with a flexor strain, an elbow injury that can often be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. —Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

Tarnopolsky recommends against the precursors since much more evidence supports the finished product. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

The larger one catches up with the smaller one just ahead of Earth so a precursor disturbance may indeed ramp up before the larger storm hits. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025