successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
Synonyms of successivenext
1
: following in order : following each other without interruption
their fourth successive victory
2
: characterized by or produced in succession
successively adverb
successiveness noun

Synonyms of successive

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Examples of successive in a Sentence

a trait found in successive generations made the honor roll for three successive school terms
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.
The team has won more games each successive year under his leadership. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026 The team hasn’t surrendered a goal and has recorded five successive shutouts. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 That is, successive days of strikes appear to have already moved the conversation further away from the agreement that was supposed to end the war. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Los Cafeteros topped Group K ahead of Portugal as their 0-0 stalemate against the Seleção was preceded by successive wins against DR Congo and Uzbekistan. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for successive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of successive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for successive

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Browse Nearby Words

succession state
successive
successivity
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Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv How to pronounce successive (audio)
: following in order : following each other without interruption
failed in three successive tries
successively adverb
successiveness noun

Legal Definition

successive

adjective
suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to succession
successive rights
b
: created by succession
2
: following in order : following each other without interruption
successive bankruptcy filings
3
: of, relating to, or being a petition for habeas corpus that raises a claim already adjudicated
successively adverb
successiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on successive

Nglish: Translation of successive for Spanish Speakers

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