precedence

noun

ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio)
Definition of precedencenext
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

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 The Slaughter decision gives the President precedence to do so. — Benjamin Swasey, NPR, 9 July 2026 Responsible controllers use their dual-class shield to protect the sanctity of the R&D budget, ensuring that actual innovation and long-term investment always take precedence over short term profiteering. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Unlike during recovery months when high-intensity skiing and snowboarding take precedence, the remainder of the year is much more focused on lounging, pampering and connecting with other guests. — Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 That means older water rights take precedence. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
  • In a meeting with media executives last month, Pezeshkian said preserving national unity and cohesion is Iran’s top priority under current circumstances.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Elevating event management and marketing from an execution function to a strategic priority creates a talent challenge most organizations have not fully anticipated.
    — Anthony Donnarumma, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of priority

Browse Nearby Words

preceded
precedence
precedences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on precedence

Nglish: Translation of precedence for Spanish Speakers

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of aerie

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All