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
• archetype
• original
• granddaddy
• originator
• daddy
• model
• foregoer
• mother
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• 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

But the composition ultimately came to be seen as a precursor of musical Postmodernism and possibly Bernstein’s greatest work, a monument in its own right. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Also in Paris at the time was Fuller, who had acted in Godard’s Pierrot le Fou (1965), a precursor to he and Lang having their first date the following year in Montmartre. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026

Solar flares are often precursors to Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) -- a massive burst of solar material and magnetic field from the sun's outer atmosphere. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026

Just 13 months after its precursor officially emerged from bankruptcy, time is running out for Main Street Sports. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026