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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Recent Examples of predecessor
Greenspan’s predecessor, Volcker, has a place in history as the person who broke the back of inflation in the United States.
—
Barbara Hagenbaugh,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
One of the two co-founders of the political group is Chris Stewart, Maloy’s predecessor in Congress.
—
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Unlike its predecessors, physical capability can’t be purchased overnight, outsourced, or faked for long.
—
Julian Hayes Ii,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Samsung Smartphone Deal The Galaxy Z Fold 7 redefines the foldable experience by being wider and slimmer than its predecessors, while offering 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to support its massive 8-inch main screen.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
Barbara Hagenbaugh,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
One of the two co-founders of the political group is Chris Stewart, Maloy’s predecessor in Congress.
—
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Unlike its predecessors, physical capability can’t be purchased overnight, outsourced, or faked for long.
—
Julian Hayes Ii,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Samsung Smartphone Deal The Galaxy Z Fold 7 redefines the foldable experience by being wider and slimmer than its predecessors, while offering 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to support its massive 8-inch main screen.
—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predecessor
Noun
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The group, which includes Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen, is becoming a forerunner in the promising progress of a new type of vehicle battery.
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In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.
Noun
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But just because our microbiome differs from our ancestors' doesn't mean reverting to an earlier model is better.
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The range of Pennsylvania Dutch vocabulary reflects the immediate, physical nature of my ancestors’ lives and work.
Noun
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Sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean have topped daily warm records for more than 20 days in June, a precursor to what many scientists expect to be one of the strongest El Niño events on record.
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Today, financial independence is often about knowledge—and career opportunity—as a precursor to power.
Cite this Entry
“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predecessor. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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