break (with) precedent
phrase
somewhat formal
: to do something that has not been done before
The voters broke (with) precedent when they elected a woman to the position.
Cite this Entry
“Break (with) precedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20%28with%29%20precedent. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
