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
In many instances, the size of the book shelf and available space will take precedence over the number of shelves when deciding what’s best for you.
—
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2023
All these take precedence over the hypothetical notion of AI ending humanity, the California Republican says.
—Julian Mark, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
While most back-to-work scenarios are more cut-and-dried — the studio film will take precedence over the passion-project indie — other situations are more nebulous.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023
In life, feelings sometimes take precedence over facts, practicalities, etc.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 1 Sep. 2023
But the title wasn’t enough to take precedence over his talent, and his plans to stay behind the scenes quickly changed.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2022
Deregulation would take precedence over further tax cuts.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 10 June 2023
Still, as pointed out by Aakeson, a sense of loyalty would sometimes take precedence over helping out a person in need.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 19 Apr. 2023
Should a missing tourism vessel for the ultra-wealthy take precedence over other consequential stories happening around the world?
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 21 June 2023
See More
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2023
All these take precedence over the hypothetical notion of AI ending humanity, the California Republican says.
—Julian Mark, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
While most back-to-work scenarios are more cut-and-dried — the studio film will take precedence over the passion-project indie — other situations are more nebulous.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2023
In life, feelings sometimes take precedence over facts, practicalities, etc.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 1 Sep. 2023
But the title wasn’t enough to take precedence over his talent, and his plans to stay behind the scenes quickly changed.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2022
Deregulation would take precedence over further tax cuts.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 10 June 2023
Still, as pointed out by Aakeson, a sense of loyalty would sometimes take precedence over helping out a person in need.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 19 Apr. 2023
Should a missing tourism vessel for the ultra-wealthy take precedence over other consequential stories happening around the world?
—Oliver Darcy, CNN, 21 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'have/take precedence over.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Have/take precedence over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%2Ftake%20precedence%20over. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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