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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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

Its rise also marks the beginning of the Hindu celebration of Pitru Paksha, during which worshippers perform rites to honor ancestors by offering prayers and food to past members of their families.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026
While Qingming focuses primarily on one’s own ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival extends offerings to wandering spirits and the unclaimed dead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predecessor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of predecessor

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes