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
Development takes precedence over regulations in order to stay ahead.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
But the selection priority — proximity of group-stage matches took precedence for teams in the same pot — pushed Argentina and the Netherlands to the front of the line.
—Sam McDowell February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Under the constitutional clause, federal law takes precedence over any conflicting state or local law, rendering the lower-level law unenforceable.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
In any case, let the genuine desire to learn and understand take precedence over defensiveness whenever possible.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
But the selection priority — proximity of group-stage matches took precedence for teams in the same pot — pushed Argentina and the Netherlands to the front of the line.
—Sam McDowell February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Under the constitutional clause, federal law takes precedence over any conflicting state or local law, rendering the lower-level law unenforceable.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
In any case, let the genuine desire to learn and understand take precedence over defensiveness whenever possible.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
-
He was involved in the negotiations for Hansen's seat, which took four years to obtain as both NASA and CSA policy priorities had to align on the matter, and funding to be obtained.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Passing the baton ‘beautifully’ Another priority is to ensure a smooth hand-off to Aflac’s next CEO.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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