Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun predecessor

2 senses of predecessor

Sense 1
predecessor -- (one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office))
       => precursor, forerunner -- (a person who goes before or announces the coming of another)

Sense 2
harbinger, forerunner, predecessor, herald, precursor -- (something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone)
       => indication, indicant -- (something that serves to indicate or suggest; "an indication of foul play"; "indications of strain"; "symptoms are the prime indicants of disease")