predecessor
noun
pre·de·ces·sor
ˈpre-də-ˌse-sər 
ˈprē-;
ˌpre-də-ˈse-,
ˌprē-
1
: one that precedes
especially
: a person who has previously occupied a position or office to which another has succeeded
2
archaic
: ancestor
Synonyms
Examples of predecessor in a Sentence
Today's computers are much faster than their predecessors were.
the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2020, Trump sanctioned chief prosecutor Karim Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda, over her decision to open an inquiry into war crimes committed by all sides, including the U.S., in Afghanistan.
—
Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
In business, every campaign or product draws inspiration from its predecessors.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Indeed, during the Bill de Blasio mayoral administration, Adams’ predecessor, both offices jointly investigated possible corruption.
—Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Also, Serenity’s intrepid newspaper reporter Peggy, whom Helen encouraged to run for office in the Season 3 finale, is now the town mayor, with her predecessor Trent in prison.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for predecessor 
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Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
In business, every campaign or product draws inspiration from its predecessors.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Indeed, during the Bill de Blasio mayoral administration, Adams’ predecessor, both offices jointly investigated possible corruption.
—Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
Also, Serenity’s intrepid newspaper reporter Peggy, whom Helen encouraged to run for office in the Season 3 finale, is now the town mayor, with her predecessor Trent in prison.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for predecessor
Dictionary Entries Near predecessor
Cite this Entry
“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predecessor. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predecessor
noun
pre·de·ces·sor
ˈpred-ə-ˌses-ər
ˈprēd-
ˈprēd-
: one that precedes
especially
: a person who has held a position or office before another
Etymology
Middle English predecessour "predecessor," from early French predecesseur (same meaning), from Latin praedecessor "one that goes before," from prae- "before, pre-," and decessor "retiring governor," from decedere "to depart," from de- "from" and cedere "to go, go away" — related to ancestor, concede
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