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
The pressure of societal norms hasn’t entirely disappeared, but the interpersonal squabbles of the quartet here (rather than the trio in Lee’s film) take precedence.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Pulitzer filing also raised constitutional concerns, citing the Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Softball and baseball are prioritized in the SEC, for example, while hockey and volleyball take precedence in the Big Ten.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
In highly innovative industries, Technical Leadership often takes precedence as leaders must spearhead groundbreaking ideas.
—Tony Gambill, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for precedence 
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Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Pulitzer filing also raised constitutional concerns, citing the Supremacy Clause, which states that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Softball and baseball are prioritized in the SEC, for example, while hockey and volleyball take precedence in the Big Ten.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
In highly innovative industries, Technical Leadership often takes precedence as leaders must spearhead groundbreaking ideas.
—Tony Gambill, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for precedence
Articles Related to precedence
Dictionary Entries Near precedence
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 1 Feb. 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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