successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər How to pronounce successor (audio)
Synonyms of successor
: one that follows
especially : one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Examples of successor in a Sentence

The CEO's successor used to be the vice president here. the successor to the throne
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Beijing is expected to use the moment to consolidate its control over Tibetan Buddhism by naming its own successor. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 With the arrival of Sauvage Extrait this week, Dior has expanded its bestselling men’s fragrance into a fifth successor, each broadening the identity of the Sauvage landscape (rather than competing with the original itself). — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026 Interestingly, often the incumbent is best suited to identify potential successors. — Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The signing of a new goalkeeper has been a priority for Newcastle this summer, with a successor to Nick Pope desired. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for successor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English successour, from Anglo-French, from Latin successor, from succedere

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of successor was in the 13th century

Rhymes for successor

See All Rhymes for successor

Browse Nearby Words

success line
successor
successorship
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Successor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successor. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

successor

noun
suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈses-ər How to pronounce successor (audio)
: one that follows
especially : a person who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Legal Definition

successor

noun
suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər How to pronounce successor (audio)
: one that follows : one that succeeds another (as in a position, title, office, or estate)

More from Merriam-Webster on successor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for successor

Nglish: Translation of successor for Spanish Speakers

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