successor
A person or thing that follows and takes the place of another
Examples
In a meeting
“The board is actively searching for a successor to the retiring CEO.”
Over coffee
“They haven't announced a successor to the canceled TV show yet.”
Why this word
replacement
Successor implies continuity of role or position, while replacement suggests substitution without institutional continuity
follower
Successor specifically assumes a formal position or role, while follower is vague about the nature of following
next
Successor indicates taking over a specific role or title, while next is merely sequential without role assumption
Usage tip
Use when discussing transitions, replacements, or what comes next in a sequence
Etymology
Latin: successor (succedere to come after)
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Related words
handoff
The transfer of responsibility from one person to another
inherit
Receive responsibilities, problems, or assets from a predecessor
supersede
Replace something with something newer or better
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.