as in priority
the right to one's attention before other things considered less important his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 precedence Once again, friendship takes precedence over reason and practicality. Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 Analytical thinking still takes precedence as the most essential skill for professionals to develop. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Too often, their political self-preservation takes precedence over their community’s self-interest. Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for precedence 

Thesaurus Entries Near precedence

Cite this Entry

“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on precedence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!