successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
1
: following in order : following each other without interruption
their fourth successive victory
2
: characterized by or produced in succession
successively adverb
successiveness noun

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
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.
The Dutch driver is the four-time reigning drivers’ world champion and is aiming for his fifth successive title in 2025. Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 The role that Saudi Arabia has played as host of the Americans’ successive meetings with Russian and Ukrainian negotiators. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025 Consequently, the American Dream—the notion that through hard work everyone has an equal opportunity to lead a good and decent life so that successive generations are better off—is moving further out of reach for more people. Nicholas Lalla, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2025 If that trajectory holds, each successive generation will be a third the size of its predecessor. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for successive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of successive was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv How to pronounce successive (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce successive (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on successive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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