consecutive
6 synonyms and 3 antonyms for consecutive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Following one after another without a break.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use consecutive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French consécutif, from Medieval Latin consecutivus, ultimately from Latin consequor, "to follow closely."
Full origin of consecutive →Frequently asked questions
What does “consecutive” mean?
The word “consecutive” means following one after another without a break. In plain terms, one right after another, with nothing in between.
How do you pronounce “consecutive”?
“Consecutive” is pronounced kuhn-SEHK-yuu-tihv (/kənˈsɛkjʊtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “consecutive” in a sentence?
Here is “consecutive” used in a sentence: “She worked four consecutive night shifts.”
What is the opposite of “consecutive”?
The opposite of “consecutive” — its antonyms — are concurrent, nonconsecutive and simultaneously.
What part of speech is “consecutive”?
Depending on how it is used, “consecutive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “consecutive” come from?
The word “consecutive” comes from Medieval Latin. From French consécutif, from Medieval Latin consecutivus, ultimately from Latin consequor, "to follow closely.".
Is “consecutive” a common word?
“Consecutive” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “consecutive” have?
“Consecutive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: following one after another without a break.
What is the difference between consecutive and concurrent?
Consecutive means following one after another without a break, so consecutive events happen in sequence. Concurrent means happening at the same time; for example, consecutive prison sentences are served one after the other, while concurrent sentences run simultaneously.
What is the difference between consecutive and successive?
Both consecutive and successive describe things that follow in sequence. Consecutive stresses that there is no gap or interruption between them, while successive can allow for gaps, as in "successive governments" that are not necessarily uninterrupted.
How is consecutive used in phrases about time?
Consecutive typically modifies a plural time period or count, as in "three consecutive days," "five consecutive wins," or "two consecutive years." It signals that each item directly follows the one before with no break in between.