SKIP TO CONTENT

successor

/səkˈsɛsər/
/səkˈsɛsə/
IPA guide

Other forms: successors

If you are successor to the throne, that means you're next in line when the current royal has to step down. The successor takes over when someone gives up a position or title or when something becomes outdated.

The noun successor was first used in the 13th century to mean "one who comes after." It's often used in reference to a royal court, where the successor is usually the king's eldest son. If something happens to the U.S. president, the vice president is the designated successor and will assume the position of head of government. It seems like every day there's a new and improved computer, a successor that replaces an earlier model.

Definitions of successor
  1. noun
    a person who follows next in order
    “he was President Lincoln's successor
    synonyms: replacement
    see moresee less
    type of:
    compeer, equal, match, peer
    a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
  2. noun
    a thing or person that immediately replaces something or someone
    see moresee less
    type of:
    replacement, substitute
    a person or thing that takes or can take the place of another
  3. noun
    a person who inherits some title or office
    synonyms: heir
    see moresee less
    type of:
    issue, offspring, progeny
    the immediate descendants of a person
Pronunciation
US
/səkˈsɛsər/
UK
/səkˈsɛsə/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘successor'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family