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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  • The past five years under celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have transformed Wrexham’s fortunes, the north Wales club having soared from non-League to the Championship via three consecutive promotions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Paige Bueckers scored all 22 of her points in the second half, and the Dallas Wings beat Toronto 94-88 on Wednesday, handing the expansion Tempo their 10th consecutive loss.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The effect would have been the opposite in prior years, rendering two successive decreases in citywide homelessness marginally less impressive.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Reports that federal immigration enforcement agencies have accessed Flock data, dozens of officers have abused the system to stalk women, and police have logged hundreds of searches related to protest activity sparked successive waves of backlash.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Successional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successional. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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