Successor

easyNeutral tone

suk-SES-er

noun

Definition

A person or thing that succeeds another

Memory hook

SUC-CESSOR: the one who goes (cedes) AFTER - the next in line who follows.

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Word roots

subafter, under(Latin)
cedereto go(Latin)

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Examples

She was named as the successor to the retiring director.
The iPhone was the successor to earlier mobile phone technology.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

She was named as the ______ to the retiring director.
Show answer

successor

Synonyms

heirreplacementinheritordescendant

Antonyms

predecessorforerunnerprecursorancestor

Categories

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GRE Tip

Successor is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "heir" or "replacement" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "predecessor".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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