Synonyms of predecessor

predecessor

noun

ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of predecessor

But the central bank’s new chair, Kevin Warsh, prefers less public communication than his predecessor, making predictions about his next move more difficult. — Laura McGann, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

While Leo’s predecessor, the late Pope Francis, mostly stayed away from big European centers of Christianity during his 12-year pontificate, Leo appears to be paying more attention to the experience of the European faithful. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026

Both have dealt with years of declining sales, but hemp beverages have opened a new market for a generation that isn’t drinking as much as its predecessors. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Her confirmation ends a nearly yearlong vacancy in the position after her predecessor was fired. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Aug. 2026