successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv 

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

• consecutive

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

An eight-minute brain scan comprises a few hundred successive images of the whole brain. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026

The United States under successive presidential administrations has been critical of the ICC since its founding. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

His investigation of image culture and mass media ultimately influenced successive generations to challenge conventional notions of art. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Republicans hold a 6-1 majority on the state’s high court, a dominant position built over successive election cycles in 2022 and 2024. — Rachel Rebouché, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for successive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive

Kids Definition

successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈses-iv 

: 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 

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