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 Florida panther was close to extinction when the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, the predecessor of the Endangered Species Act, was passed and led to changes that began to help stabilize the population. — Timothy Randhir, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Final Thoughts The Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra delivers a few notable upgrades when compared with its predecessor, which helps the $100 price increase sting less. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Stanford's new athletic director, John Donahoe, was recently appointed to the USOPC's Collegiate Advisory Council, replacing his predecessor on The Farm, Bernard Muir. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Though his predecessor dissolved the working group, former Mayor Eric Adams subsequently launched an antisemitism task force and the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026