PREDECESSOR Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

predecessor

noun

ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər

Definition of predecessor

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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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.

Recent Examples of predecessor Blanche’s immediate predecessor, Pam Bondi, was ousted in April after failing to deliver successful prosecutions against the president’s political enemies. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Like its predecessors the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, Roman will try to solve some of astronomy's biggest questions. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Most of their predecessors understood caring for those who go in harm’s way as a sacred obligation. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Warsh replaced Jerome Powell in late May after his predecessor’s term ended. — Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predecessor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predecessor

Noun

Margaret and Alice are the forerunners of Lucy and Ethel, and Shakespeare’s comedy, written expressly to entertain, gives us a sense of what an Elizabethan-era situation comedy might look like.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
One of the forerunners today in Madeira and the Azores is António Maçanita from Azores Wine Company.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of forerunner

Noun

Essay Get the Lead Out Alex Manley Our ancestors were born to die by predators.

— Naomi Skwarna, hazlitt.net, 25 Aug. 2026
For the last decade, genealogical consultant Grant Din has helped Asian Americans find information about their ancestors, many of whom passed through San Francisco’s Angel Island Immigration Station in the 1900s.

— Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of ancestor

Noun

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman were discussing a joint temporary shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz and mind clearing mission, a precursor to a permanent arrangement to administer the waterway.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
This can be a precursor to doing heel-to-toe walking and can build confidence in someone’s ability to stay upright.

— Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of precursor

Browse Nearby Words

predeceasing

predecessor

predecessors

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“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predecessor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of predecessor

noun

Example Sentences

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