Synonyms for

Predecessor

Verb / ˈpredʌˌsesɜ: / Another word for predecessor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Someone who held a position before the current person.

Synonyms & similar words

herald forerunner harbinger precursor forerunner ancestor antecedent forbear forefather foregoer foremother precursor predecessor primogenitor prototype ancestor former prior antecedent forebear forefather forerunner predecessor

Synonyms by register

Formal

antecedent forerunner precursor ancestor

Literary

forebear elder

Antonyms

successor heir inheritor follower descendant offspring

Common collocations

  • immediate predecessor
  • previous predecessor
  • former predecessor
  • its predecessor
  • the predecessor of
  • his predecessor
  • her predecessor

Word family

noun predecessor
verb precede
adjective preceding
adverb precedingly

Usage note

This word refers to someone or something that came before another in time or in a position. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing history, technology, or job roles.

Example sentences

  1. My grandfather was the predecessor of our family business.
  2. The new principal wants to learn from her predecessor's successes and mistakes.
  3. The current president is often compared to his predecessor.
  4. The predecessor of this computer was much slower.
  5. I never met my predecessor, but I heard they did a great job.

Quotes

  • "My predecessor left big shoes to fill, and I intend on filling them." - Kamala Harris
  • "We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." - John F. Kennedy, a predecessor to current U.S. President Joe Biden
  • "In this bright future, you can't forget your past." - Bob Marley, a predecessor to modern reggae music

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words