successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: 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

By contrast, another study of small and medium-size businesses after the sudden death of a CEO-owner found that, in the short run, nonfamily successors are better equipped to run the company. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

The Paper is a successor to one beloved NBC series, The Office. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026

Fitbit is finally debuting a true successor to the Editors’ Choice-winning Charge 6. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026

The eventual agreement delivered substantial raises for players and a seven-year deal running through 2032, giving her successor a foundation for the years ahead. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for successor

• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor

Kids Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈses-ər 

: 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 

: one that follows : one that succeeds another (as in a position, title, office, or estate)