successional

Definition of successionalnext
as in consecutive
following one after another without others coming in between the successional stages that an area goes through following a devastating forest fire

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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 successional This biological soil crust immobilizes shifting dunes and establishes a nutrient-rich substrate essential for the successional development of plant life. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026 Periodic burning or disking, to maintain early successional growth and keep a field from becoming a young forest, tends to stimulate the growth of forbs. Will Brantley, Outdoor Life, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for successional
Adjective
  • Oil prices ticked up Wednesday after the US launched a fourth consecutive night of strikes on Iran and reimposed a blockade on ships going to and from Iranian ports.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Following a month-old cease-fire, the US and Iran exchanged strikes today for the fifth consecutive day as both sides battle for control of the critical Strait of Hormuz, with no signs of either side backing down.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • In much of France and Spain, an exceptionally wet winter left a lot of vegetation that quickly turned to tinder as three successive heatwaves sent temperatures into the high-thirties Celsius.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • China has improved the quieting of successive Type 093 variants, but submarine stealth depends on more than hull shape or propulsion type.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Successional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successional. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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