have/take precedence over
idiom
somewhat formal
: to be more important (than something else)
When it comes to making health care decisions, the patient's preference should take precedence.
—often + overThe safety of the children has/takes precedence over everything else.
Examples of have/take precedence over in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The order asserts that federal immigration laws take precedence over state legislation.
—
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Practicing proper etiquette and being kind should always take precedence over having material things.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
One friend suggested that maintaining their friendship should take precedence over money and urged the poster to give H her half of the deposit.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
That includes the Vatican, which would likely take precedence over locations in the Western Hemisphere.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for have/take precedence over
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.
Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
Practicing proper etiquette and being kind should always take precedence over having material things.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
One friend suggested that maintaining their friendship should take precedence over money and urged the poster to give H her half of the deposit.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
That includes the Vatican, which would likely take precedence over locations in the Western Hemisphere.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for have/take precedence over
Cite this Entry
“Have/take precedence over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%2Ftake%20precedence%20over. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share