PRECURSOR: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for PRECURSOR?

Need another word that means the same as “precursor”? Find 11 synonyms and 30 related words for “precursor” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Precursor” are: forerunner, harbinger, herald, predecessor, forefather, father, parent, antecedent, ancestor, forebear, progenitor

Precursor as a Noun

Definitions of "Precursor" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “precursor” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone.
• A substance from which another is formed, especially by metabolic reaction.
• A substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction.
• A person who goes before or announces the coming of another.
• A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner.

Synonyms of "Precursor" as a noun (11 Words)

ancestor	A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended. The ancestor of most dolphins is not clear.
antecedent	The referent of an anaphor; a phrase or clause that is referred to by an anaphoric pronoun. Some antecedents to the African novel might exist in Africa s oral traditions.
father	A male parent also used as a term of address to your father. He s held to be the father of abstract art.
forebear	A person from whom you are descended. Generations of his forebears had lived in London.
forefather	A precursor of a particular movement. The forefathers of modern British socialism.
forerunner	A person who goes before or announces the coming of another. Overcast mornings are the sure forerunners of steady rain.
harbinger	A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. These works were not yet opera but they were the most important harbinger of opera.
herald	(formal) a person who announces important news. The chieftain had a herald who announced his arrival with a trumpet.
parent	An organization or company which owns or controls a number of subsidiaries. God s hand had written in the hearts of our first parents all the rules of good.
predecessor	A thing that has been followed or replaced by another. The chapel was built in 1864 on the site of its predecessor.
progenitor	A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent. The progenitor of modern jazz.

Usage Examples of "Precursor" as a noun

• Pepsinogen is the inactive precursor of pepsin.
• A three-stringed precursor of the violin.

Associations of "Precursor" (30 Words)

above	(in writing) at an earlier place. Flaws in the above interpretation.
antecedent	Denoting or counting as an antecedent. Her early life and antecedents have been traced.
anterior	Of or near the head end or toward the front plane of a body. The veins anterior to the heart.
before	During the period of time preceding a particular event or time. With the cross of Jesus marching on before.
forego	Lose (s.th.) or lose the right to (s.th.) by some error, offense, or crime.
forerunner	An advance messenger. Overcast mornings are the sure forerunners of steady rain.
former	Denoting the first or first mentioned of two people or things. The former president.
formerly	At a previous time. The building formerly housed the National Assembly.
front	Provide something with a front or facing of a particular type or material. He walked to the front of the stage.
harbinger	Foreshadow or presage. These works were not yet opera but they were the most important harbinger of opera.
herald	A brown moth with dull orange markings, often hibernating in houses and old buildings. They considered the first primroses as the herald of spring.
omen	Indicate as with a sign or an omen. He looked for an omen before going into battle.
portend	Be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen. The eclipses portend some major events.
precede	Preface or introduce something with. He preceded the book with a collection of poems.
precedent	A previous case or legal decision that may be or binding precedent must be followed in subsequent similar cases. We hope to set a legal precedent to protect hundreds of miles of green lanes.
preceding	Existing or coming before. A growth in sales above those of the preceding year.
predate	Exist or occur at a date earlier than (something. These mammals predate certain eggs.
predecessor	A thing that has been followed or replaced by another. The new President s foreign policy is very similar to that of his predecessor.
preemptive	Designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence. A preemptive business offer.
prefatory	Serving as an introduction or preface. In his prefatory remarks the author claims that.
prematurely	Before the end of the normal period of gestation. His son died prematurely.
premonition	A feeling of evil to come. He had a premonition of imminent disaster.
previous	Previous convictions a criminal record. He s got previous theft and wounding.
previously	At a previous or earlier time; before. Museums and art galleries which had previously been open to the public.
prior	The head of a religious order in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot. He had no juvenile record no priors.
priority	A thing that is regarded as more important than others. The safety of the country takes priority over any other matter.
superior	A person superior to another in rank or status especially a colleague in a higher position. Superior wisdom derived from experience.
teacher	A person whose occupation is teaching. Books were his teachers.
trailblazer	Someone who marks a trail by leaving blazes on trees. He was a trailblazer for many ideas that are now standard fare.
untimely	At a time that is unsuitable or premature. Alcohol brought him to an untimely end.