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.
Your well-being should take precedence over societal or familial expectations. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 For many local officials, achieving industrial advancement and ensuring supply chain security take precedence over stimulating consumer spending. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024 Promote continuous employee engagement and reinforce that safety should take precedence over any temporary goal. Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 The Future of Higher Education The rapid growth of these giant universities could indeed be a disruption of higher education, where flexibility, affordability, and accessibility take precedence over the traditional campus experience, which fewer students can afford. Bryan Penprase, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 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 18 Jan. 2025.

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