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
  • The Lanham Act says that three consecutive years of nonuse is prima facie evidence of abandonment.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This is the second consecutive poll from the Texas Politics Project to report the same findings, as its June poll showed 29% supported and 56% opposed local data center construction.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Brazil international has been omitted from the squads for the Community Shield and the Coventry game on successive weekends, and looks likely to depart before next Tuesday’s deadline.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Members grew up during the violence of the Second Intifada and under successive right-wing governments, most led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when optimism or a road map for a more peaceful future was almost entirely absent.
    Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Successional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successional. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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