a person who precedes another in an office, position, etc.

something succeeded or replaced by something else

The new monument in the park is more beautiful than its predecessor.

Archaic . an ancestor; forefather.

noun

derivative , descendant , successor

noun

ancestor , antecedent , antecessor , forebear , foregoer , forerunner , former , precursor , previous , prior , prototype , progenitor , ascendant , father , forefather , foremother , mother , parent , forbear