What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
replacement
Example
The company hired a replacement for the previous CEO. [replacement: noun]
Example
I need to find a replacement for my broken phone. [replacement: noun]
Example
He replaced the old light bulb with a new one. [replacing: verb]
successor
Example
The new president was the successor to the previous one. [successor: noun]
Example
The iPhone 12 is the successor to the iPhone 11. [successor: noun]
Example
She succeeded her father as the CEO of the company. [succeeded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Replacement is more commonly used than successor in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Successor is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between replacement and successor?
Successor is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while replacement can be used in both formal and informal contexts.