as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard
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Recent Examples of predecessor
His predecessors have instead focused on deepening ties with Japan, which became an ally after the war.
—
ABC News, 15 June 2026
Just like its predecessor, the prequel series is dedicated to an violent, world-tilting war for the Iron Throne.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
While the ruling Chavismo movement is now consolidating its unexpected ties with Washington, Rodríguez appears to aspire to lead this new phase herself, with calls to leave behind the harsh years of her predecessor.
—Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
But as with every predecessor, his results have been mixed, with a record of 15-10-1 heading into the World Cup.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
ABC News, 15 June 2026
Just like its predecessor, the prequel series is dedicated to an violent, world-tilting war for the Iron Throne.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
While the ruling Chavismo movement is now consolidating its unexpected ties with Washington, Rodríguez appears to aspire to lead this new phase herself, with calls to leave behind the harsh years of her predecessor.
—Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
But as with every predecessor, his results have been mixed, with a record of 15-10-1 heading into the World Cup.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predecessor
Noun
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In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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While Bass remains widely viewed as the forerunner, recent polling suggests the race might be tightening heading into the final days before the June 2 primary.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Mesa Verde continues to hold great cultural significance for the 27 pueblos and tribes whose ancestors once called the canyons, farms, cliffside and mesa dwellings home or who have other ties to the area.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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During the Early Devonian Period, life on land was still relatively new, and many of the ancestors of modern vertebrates had yet to emerge from the water.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Saturday marks one year since a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel began — a precursor to the longer ongoing war that would kick off eight months later.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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With support from the organization that was the precursor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, my father and grandmother immigrated to the United States aboard the General Henry Taylor.—
Alex Poppe,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predecessor. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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