successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv 

1

: following in order : following each other without interruption

their fourth successive victory

2

: characterized by or produced in succession

successively adverb

successiveness noun

Synonyms

• back-to-back
• consecutive
• sequent
• sequential
• straight
• succeeding
• successional

Examples of successive in a Sentence

a trait found in successive generations

made the honor roll for three successive school terms

Recent Examples on the Web

Although India’s economic trajectory remained largely unchanged for decades under successive governments, averaging 7 percent a year since 2004, Indian headlines frequently compare India’s growth to China’s slowdown and highlight new highways, railways and airports inaugurated by Modi. —Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

Pine House isn’t afraid to put beds in shadier spots for cool-season crops like salad greens, and broccoli in successive plantings so that there is always an ongoing harvest. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, despite its unique riverfront, the heart of West Sacramento is akin to the sprawling commercial district of a suburb, packed with fast-food places, wide roadways and a successive run of strip malls. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024

Monday’s 75-60 win over the Purdue Boilermakers wrapped up UConn’s second successive NCAA men’s basketball national championship title, cementing the Huskies in the pantheon of great college teams. —Ben Morse, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Tehran has used successive conflagrations in its neighborhood to strengthen its position. —Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024

Their political parties have been key members of Netanyahu's successive governments. —Loveday Morris The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 30 Mar. 2024

The seven workers were killed by three successive strikes on three cars traveling along a road in Gaza. —Peter Baker, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024

The team had scheduled meetings with Oakland and Sacramento officials on successive days this week and is nearing a deal to play next season at Sutter Health Park, home of the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, Sacramento radio host Dave Weiglein reported Wednesday night. —Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv 

: following in order : following each other without interruption

failed in three successive tries

successively adverb

successiveness noun

Legal Definition

successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv 

1

a

: of or relating to succession

successive rights

b

: created by succession

2

: following in order : following each other without interruption

successive bankruptcy filings

3

: of, relating to, or being a petition for habeas corpus that raises a claim already adjudicated

successively adverb

successiveness noun