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

The two-time All-Pro, who has broken some of his predecessor's records, sounded almost as awestruck as Price when reflecting on their interactions around the facility. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Romero was named captain by De Zerbi’s predecessor Thomas Frank last summer. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

The car may be more civilized than its predecessors, but its mill is still expected to produce up to 900 hp and redline at 9,000 rpm. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026

Unlike some congressional widows, however, Darline Graham was not her predecessor’s longtime governing partner. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026