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 Rutte’s predecessor, Stoltenberg, has written in his memoir about chairing a 2018 summit that Trump nearly upended. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Vahidi, who assumed the role after his predecessor Mohammad Pakpour was killed in US-Israeli strikes on the first day of the war, is rarely seen in public. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Much like its predecessor, Yellowstone, the show leans into themes of rural politics and shady Western dealings — all the hallmarks that Taylor Sheridan fans know and love. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 The elaborate funeral of his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini, was also orchestrated to demonstrate leadership continuity in 1989. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predecessor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predecessor

Noun

The city had a history of assimilating such yearners, most notably Madonna, Swift’s forerunner and her own Middle American transplant success story.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
The group, which includes Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen, is becoming a forerunner in the promising progress of a new type of vehicle battery.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 June 2026

Definition of forerunner

Noun

This type of eating pattern mimics the pattern of our ancestors, which is directly connected with our innate metabolism.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Gendron said his ancestors were among the first outsiders to settle the island in the 1700s, when three brothers, fur traders all, left Canada and followed the Mississippi south.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of ancestor

Noun

Those resolutions are considered a precursor to the Declaration of Independence.

— Salena Zito, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Feeding peanuts to the fans evolved, but the early days, whether for the precursor to Aramark or the work of Stevens, were all about a few simple items.

— Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of predecessor

noun

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