successor

[ suhk-ses-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that succeeds or follows.
2. a person who succeeds another in an office, position, or the like.

successor

/ səkˈsɛsə /

noun

1. a person or thing that follows, esp a person who succeeds another in an office
2. logic the element related to a given element by a serial ordering, esp the natural number next larger to a given one. The successor of n is n + 1, usually written Sn or n′

Derived Forms

• sucˈcessoral, adjective

Other Words From

• suc·cessor·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of successor¹

1250–1300; < Latin, equivalent to succed-, variant stem of succēdere to succeed + -tor -tor, with dt > ss; replacing Middle English successour < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

It is unclear how much of the Biden administration’s approach to Ukraine will survive once his successor takes office.

From New York Times

There are concerns that his successor, Donald Trump, will slow or halt any further support.

From BBC

England's record under him means Tuchel has been spared that prospect of navigating a Nations League play-off while, significantly, Carsley has strengthened the youthful foundations for his successor to build on.

From BBC

They were given a summary of abuse allegations by a representative of the Titus Trust - the successor charity to the one running the summer camps where abuse had taken place.

From BBC

But it would be three long years — a veritable eon during that pre-MTV era — before Harrison released the LP’s worthy successor.

From Salon

Related Words

• replacement