as in replacement
a person who has a job, position, or title after someone else; someone who succeeds another person
The CEO's successor used to be the vice president here. the successor to the throne
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Recent Examples of successor
His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was picked as a successor but has not been seen in public, leading to rumors that he’s been wounded.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
New dishes coming in 2026 include Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Cheesy G Sliders and, for dessert, a Crème Brulee Crunchwrap and Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie – the successor to last year's Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
On March 3, Israel bombed the building where the 88 clerics known as the Assembly of Experts would meet to choose a successor.
—Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Vantor Iranians took to the streets in celebration after Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader, was named as his successor.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for successor
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
New dishes coming in 2026 include Diablo Dusted Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Cheesy G Sliders and, for dessert, a Crème Brulee Crunchwrap and Mountain Dew Baja Midnight Pie – the successor to last year's Mountain Dew Baja Blast Pie.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
On March 3, Israel bombed the building where the 88 clerics known as the Assembly of Experts would meet to choose a successor.
—Kay Armin Serjoie, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
Vantor Iranians took to the streets in celebration after Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader, was named as his successor.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for successor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for successor
Noun
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Their replacements should come via the draft, or Mafe and Ebiktie in Chaisson's case.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
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In a philosophical shift away from high school recruits and toward the portal, the Longhorns signed transfers in Memphis kicker Gianni Spetic, Florida State punter Mac Chiumento and New Mexico long snapper Trey DuBuc as the replacements.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Emily Hampsten, deputy chief of staff for Durbin, confirmed Wednesday morning that the senator was referring to the Sacramento mother.—
Mathew Miranda
Updated March 4,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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Law enforcement called off the chase because of safety concerns, but deputies later found the Chevrolet at a gas station in Georgetown, according to the affidavit.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On October 14, the Bureau sent the assistant attorney general an eight-paragraph précis of the poet’s life, work, and political leanings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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Eberflus has spent 17 seasons in the NFL as a head coach and defensive assistant, having spent last season as the DC for the Cowboys.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Oncor representative Ashton Miller explained that the substation powers the surrounding neighborhood.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
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In January, Rourke’s management team set up a GoFundMe to help keep the actor in his home, with his representative Kimberly Hines listed as the benefactor.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The attorneys have requested a temporary restraining order from the court, which would halt the law’s enforcement while the legal challenge plays out.—
David Williams,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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Prekoski, O’Connor’s attorney, said the defense had a tough battle to wage.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Perhaps cultural certainty is a poor substitute for epidemiology.—
Jan Steyn,
The Dial,
10 Mar. 2026
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Donating blood is one of the of the most powerful ways to give back to the community—there is no substitute for this lifesaving gift and every donation can help save multiple lives.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The partnership formed only after Wimbledon, arranged through Tien’s agent, despite the two having lived in the same Southern California tennis orbit for years without ever meeting.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bruising drops in software company stocks this year have left investors struggling to discern which firms will be least and most affected by competition from AI agents.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Then, as Polly’s (Helen McRory) stand-in, Kaulo (Rebecca Ferguson), the mystical twin of Tommy’s long-dead Roma lover (and Duke’s mother), who has dubious intentions — and an equally iffy accent to match.—
Miriam Balanescu,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
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Melker Ellborg, Sunderland’s stand-in goalkeeper making his Premier League bow, was barely troubled.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Successor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successor. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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