as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the once-ubiquitous typewriter was the predecessor of today's electronic keyboard
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Recent Examples of predecessor
Its global total has passed the half-million mark already, roughly in line with its predecessor, 2022's Jurassic World Dominion, which at this point in its domestic run, had grossed $250.2 million to Rebirth's $232.1 million.
—
Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 13 July 2025
The James Webb Space Telescope far surpasses the abilities of its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Trump’s predecessor, President Biden, observed the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and Hurricane Milton in Florida last fall by air before meeting with disaster response officials and victims on the ground.
—Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
So has his boldness, demonstrated in his commitment to blood young talent from the academy, in stark contrast to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 13 July 2025
The James Webb Space Telescope far surpasses the abilities of its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Trump’s predecessor, President Biden, observed the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and Hurricane Milton in Florida last fall by air before meeting with disaster response officials and victims on the ground.
—Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
So has his boldness, demonstrated in his commitment to blood young talent from the academy, in stark contrast to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti.
—Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for predecessor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predecessor
Noun
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The killer is a man who, for all his delusions, pokes at the other men’s complacency and domesticity — making this thriller a forerunner of everything from Easy Rider to The Hitcher to Collateral. 20.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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Here is a look at some of the most likely forerunners to serve as the 267th pope, according to public reporting.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The gift of 'The Mahabharata' that my ancestors gave me is truly the gift that keeps giving.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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The same ancestor who founded this homestead left his own family behind in Georgia; that cold resolve is Hailey’s inheritance too.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Predecessor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predecessor. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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