predates

verb

present tense third-person singular of predate
as in precedes
to go or come before in time gunpowder predated the invention of the gun by several centuries

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of predates But the association of messy dinner parties and the number 13 predates even Christianity by some thousands of years, with an early mention in Norse mythology. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026 Yet this conflict long predates Civilizational America or American Europe. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Artificial intelligence is the latest and most visible manifestation of this development, but the pattern predates AI. — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Interestingly, one of the most famous of these acts predates the origin of the term lame duck. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026 The puzzle of how to marry theology and extraterrestrial life predates the current surge in UAP disclosures. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026 The third leg of the shift sits below the MLS first team altogether, and predates this week’s news. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Because the measure can’t be enacted until early November, its residency snapshot predates the tax by ten months. — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026 The singer songwriter's fascination with dentition predates the odd request. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predates
precedes
Verb
  • Rather, tick bites play a central role in the development of AGS by initiating the immune sensitization that precedes allergic reactions.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Alpe d’Huez’s reputation precedes it; for atmosphere, no climb in the Tour has more prestige.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of precedes

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“Predates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predates. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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