predecessor
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for predecessor, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who held a job, role, or position before the current person.
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 predecessor
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French predecesseor, from Late Latin praedecessor, from prae- (\"before\") plus decessor, \"one who retires,\" from decedere (\"to withdraw, to die\").
Full origin of predecessor →Frequently asked questions
What does “predecessor” mean?
The word “predecessor” means a person who held a job, role, or position before the current person. In plain terms, whoever or whatever came before — the previous person in a role, or the earlier version of a product.
How do you pronounce “predecessor”?
“Predecessor” is pronounced PREE-dih-seh-suh (/ˈpɹɛd.ə.sɛs.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “predecessor” in a sentence?
Here is “predecessor” used in a sentence: “The new CEO praised her predecessor for building such a strong company culture.”
What is another word for “predecessor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “predecessor” include forerunner, foreganger, ancestor, antecessor, precursor and elder.
What is the opposite of “predecessor”?
The opposite of “predecessor” — its antonyms — is successor.
What part of speech is “predecessor”?
“Predecessor” is a noun.
Where does the word “predecessor” come from?
The word “predecessor” comes from Late Latin. From Old French predecesseor, from Late Latin praedecessor, from prae- (\"before\") plus decessor, \"one who retires,\" from decedere (\"to withdraw, to die\").
Is “predecessor” a common word?
“Predecessor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between a predecessor and a successor?
A predecessor is the person or thing that came before, holding a job, role, or position before the current one. A successor is the opposite: the person or thing that follows and takes over afterward. The two words describe the same relationship viewed from opposite directions in time.
Can predecessor be used for objects, not just people?
Yes. Predecessor also describes an earlier model or version of something that has since been replaced, such as a previous phone model or an older piece of software. This non-human sense is common in technology and product writing.
Is predecessor formal or informal?
Predecessor is a neutral-to-formal word commonly used in business, government, and technical writing. It works fine in everyday speech too, but it tends to sound more precise than casual alternatives like the person before me.