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 Overgrown Fields Throughout the whitetail range, early successional habitat is vital to deer. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for successional
Adjective
  • The state has gone 62 years without voters electing consecutive leaders from the same political party.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Frustrated neighbors noted that severe water accumulation remains a recurring issue whenever the region experiences multiple consecutive days of heavy rainfall.
    — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Each sculpture was developed through successive layers of clay that were fired repeatedly as glazes to create texture and shape.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Over successive summers, their routine became a framing device.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Successional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successional. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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