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View synonyms for succession

succession

[ suhk-sesh-uhn ]

noun

  1. the coming of one person or thing after another in order, sequence, or in the course of events:

    many troubles in succession.

  2. a number of persons or things following one another in order or sequence.
  3. the right, act, or process, by which one person succeeds to the office, rank, estate, or the like, of another.
  4. the order or line of those entitled to succeed one another.
  5. the descent or transmission of a throne, dignity, estate, or the like.
  6. Also called ecological succession. Ecology. the progressive replacement of one community by another until a climax community is established.


succession

/ səkˈsɛʃən /

noun

  1. the act or an instance of one person or thing following another
  2. a number of people or things following one another in order
  3. the act, process, or right by which one person succeeds to the office, etc, of another
  4. the order that determines how one person or thing follows another
  5. a line of descent to a title, etc
  6. ecology the sum of the changes in the composition of a community that occur during its development towards a stable climax community
  7. in succession
    in succession in a manner such that one thing is followed uninterruptedly by another


succession

/ sək-sĕshən /

  1. The gradual replacement of one type of ecological community by another in the same area, involving a series of orderly changes, especially in the dominant vegetation. Succession is usually initiated by a significant disturbance of an existing community. Each succeeding community modifies the physical environment, as by introducing shade or changing the fertility or acidity of the soil, creating new conditions that benefit certain species and inhibit others until a climax community is established.
  2. ◆ The sequential development of plant and animal communities in an area in which no topsoil exists, as on a new lava flow, is called primary succession.
  3. ◆ The development of such communities in an area that has been disturbed but still retains its topsoil, as in a burned-over area, is called secondary succession.
  4. See more at climax community


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Derived Forms

  • sucˈcessional, adjective
  • sucˈcessionally, adverb

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Other Words From

  • suc·cession·al adjective
  • suc·cession·al·ly adverb
  • nonsuc·cession noun
  • nonsuc·cession·al adjective
  • nonsuc·cession·al·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of succession1

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Latin successiōn- (stem of successiō ) “a following (someone) in office,” equivalent to success(us), past participle of succēdere “to succeed” ( succeed ) + -iōn- -ion

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Word History and Origins

Origin of succession1

C14: from Latin successio, from succēdere to succeed

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Synonym Study

See series.

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Example Sentences

The last week has seen a succession of US launch attempts canceled for issues primarily related to ground systems.

It’s the biggest test for American democracy — and for Kostyukov, whose two immediate predecessors died in quick succession amid rumors Vladimir Putin wasn’t happy.

From Ozy

Brazilian fashion retailer Dafiti has limped along through a succession of down rounds.

From Fortune

A succession of climate cases are now working their way through American courts.

From Quartz

This could continue to happen, opening us up to a succession of new, potentially lethal diseases.

The kerfuffle began with a £200 bet, followed by several smaller bets in quick succession.

When, in succession, he made Vertigo (1958), North by Northwest (1959), Psycho (1960), and The Birds (1963).

“I was at first on a cot, and then in a succession of accommodations,” he says.

Two 20th-century phenomena, occurring in quick succession, are the culprits.

TR reinvigorated the office after a succession of grey presidents with his unself-conscious energy, idealism and determination.

And then several hours at Liszt's, where one succession of concertos, fantasias, and all sorts of tremendous things are played.

This reading secures scarcely anything more than a succession of sights to the eye or sounds to the ear.

The injured and indignant animal gave vent to a succession of eldritch screams.

The attempt failed, and was followed by a rapid succession of miscellaneous thrusts and passes in bewildering variety.

When you can play it eight times in succession without missing a note, I'll be satisfied.

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successfulsuccession of crops