successive

adjective

suc·​ces·​sive sək-ˈse-siv How to pronounce successive (audio)
Synonyms of successive
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.
Plough served as a UCD assistant on multiple stints and is in his third season as head coach, seeking his third successive FCS playoff berth. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 According to the memo, the special rate contract between Google and Entergy provides an initial term of 20 years that will automatically renew for successive three-year terms until either party provides notice of termination or non-renewal. — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026 But a strange pattern has emerged in rpTDES; each successive flare can become dimmer. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 As successive heat waves in Western Europe pushed temperatures this summer to punishing levels, the accessory has become essential, embraced by the young and old from Spain and elsewhere. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Successive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successive. Accessed 6 Sep. 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
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