precedence

noun

pre·​ce·​dence ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio) pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio)
Synonyms of precedence
1
a
: priority of importance or application
your safety takes precedence
Federal law takes precedence over state law in this instance.
b
: the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion
c
: the order of ceremonial or formal preference
2
a
: the fact of coming or occurring earlier in time
b
obsolete : antecedent

Synonyms of precedence

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Examples of precedence in a Sentence

Americans, Adams now believed, were as driven by the passions for wealth and precedence as any people in history. Ambition, avarice, and resentment, not virtue and benevolence, were the stuff of American society. —Gordon S. Wood, Revolutionary Characters, 2006
So, too, did most accept that all economies are characterized by struggles for power and precedence among men and institutions run by men; in other words, that all economies are fundamentally political in nature. —Barry C. Lynn, Harper's, July 2006
Jefferson abolished precedence and placement at White House dinners to emphasize that all guests were equal, but his system—he called it "pell-mell"—was abandoned, and we have guests of honor and use place cards today. —Naomi Bliven, New York Times Book Review, 12 Sept. 1999
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Infantino attempted to frame his retreat as evidence of responsive leadership, arguing that unity must take precedence over division. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In many cities, the autonomy of drug users has taken precedence over nearly everything and everyone else, not least working-class families like Monsegur’s who must live alongside addicts and accept dystopian decay. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Advertisement The law, which was passed decades before the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (VRA) of 1998, takes legal precedence. — Philip Wang, Time, 30 July 2026 Congressional conversations around health care have largely moved on from the pandemic response, as issues ranging from the affordability of care to measles and vaccines take precedence. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for precedence

Word History

Etymology

preced(ent) entry 1 or preced(ent) entry 2 + -ence

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of precedence was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing precedence

Browse Nearby Words

precede
precedence
precedency
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Cite this Entry

“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precedence

noun
pre·​ce·​dence ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio) pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio)
1
: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)
2
: consideration based on order of importance : priority
your safety takes precedence

More from Merriam-Webster on precedence

Nglish: Translation of precedence for Spanish Speakers

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