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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of precedence
With the sun, Mercury and Mars activating your fourth house of innermost feelings, family matters, living situations and your emotional stability take precedence.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
In other words, paperwork took precedence over a medication proven to be safe and effective.
—Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026
These ideas are as warm and welcoming as color drenching with more historic precedence.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Together, these outcomes suggest that maintaining the flow of property tax revenue took precedence over ensuring the system was fully accurate and durable — leaving homeowners to absorb the consequences of unresolved errors.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
In other words, paperwork took precedence over a medication proven to be safe and effective.
—Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2026
These ideas are as warm and welcoming as color drenching with more historic precedence.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Together, these outcomes suggest that maintaining the flow of property tax revenue took precedence over ensuring the system was fully accurate and durable — leaving homeowners to absorb the consequences of unresolved errors.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
-
And yet some of Rieder’s prior comments on Trump policy priorities, his lack of government experience and political donations to Trump critics could work against his candidacy for the powerful position.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, consumer priorities appeared to be changing.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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