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
In the late 1960s, the candid nature of Sly’s lyrics — expressing deep emotions and struggles — was not something many in the Black community were prepared to confront, as survival took precedence over vulnerability.
—
Ahmir "questlove" Thompson, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
Mulgrew told The News that this year, while the union liked Stringer best again for education, other concerns took precedence.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The problem is that directing comes second after the subject: the legitimacy of making a movie on a specific subject takes precedence over the direction, the form.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 12 June 2025
During Covid, the transport of empty containers back to China took precedence over U.S. exports.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Ahmir "questlove" Thompson, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
Mulgrew told The News that this year, while the union liked Stringer best again for education, other concerns took precedence.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The problem is that directing comes second after the subject: the legitimacy of making a movie on a specific subject takes precedence over the direction, the form.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 12 June 2025
During Covid, the transport of empty containers back to China took precedence over U.S. exports.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
-
No boundaries, no sense of priority in meetings, and nothing moving forward.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
But space issues seem to have fallen far down Trump's list of priorities.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share