have/take precedence over

idiom

somewhat formal
: to be more important (than something else)
When it comes to making health care decisions, the patient's preference should take precedence.
often + over
The safety of the children has/takes precedence over everything else.

Examples of have/take precedence over in a Sentence

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.
Letting a tax bill take precedence over growing your money or minimizing your portfolio risk is generally a bad decision. Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Trump suggested his wishes to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 5 May 2025 Caglianone is under team control for six seasons, and those six seasons just have to take precedence over an immediate fix. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025 Reddit users have chimed in, with many questioning why the brother's wedding would take precedence over his education. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for have/take precedence over

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Cite this Entry

“Have/take precedence over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%2Ftake%20precedence%20over. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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