precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s 
pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s
pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s
1
a
: priority of importance
your safety takes precedence
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
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
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
Quick decisions take precedence over nuanced discussions, but short-term efficiency often leads to long-term friction.
—Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
From making cookies with Mindy Kaling to learning about Japanese polishing face masks with Vicky Tsai, Markle knows conversation with these friends takes precedence over perfecting any recipe or product.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
The hope now for David Cassirer and his family is that the 9th Circuit will interpret the California law passed last year to take precedence over federal law.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
Themes around communication, or within your immediate environment, take precedence under this sun-Saturn conjunction.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
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Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
From making cookies with Mindy Kaling to learning about Japanese polishing face masks with Vicky Tsai, Markle knows conversation with these friends takes precedence over perfecting any recipe or product.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
The hope now for David Cassirer and his family is that the 9th Circuit will interpret the California law passed last year to take precedence over federal law.
—Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
Themes around communication, or within your immediate environment, take precedence under this sun-Saturn conjunction.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Articles Related to precedence
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s
pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s
pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)
2
: consideration based on order of importance : priority
your safety takes precedence
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