With its prefix pre-, meaning "before", a precursor is literally a "forerunner", and in fact forerunner first appeared as the translation of the Latin praecursor.

What's a synonym for Forerunner?

Choose the Right Synonym for forerunner

forerunner, precursor, harbinger, herald mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another. forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

What is precursor synonym?

Frequently Asked Questions About precursor

Some common synonyms of precursor are forerunner, harbinger, and herald. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.