precedence

noun

1
a
: priority of importance
your safety takes precedence
b
: the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion
c
: the order of ceremonial or formal preference
2
a
: the fact of coming or occurring earlier in time
b
obsolete : antecedent

Examples of precedence in a Sentence

Americans, Adams now believed, were as driven by the passions for wealth and precedence as any people in history. Ambition, avarice, and resentment, not virtue and benevolence, were the stuff of American society. Gordon S. Wood, Revolutionary Characters, 2006
So, too, did most accept that all economies are characterized by struggles for power and precedence among men and institutions run by men; in other words, that all economies are fundamentally political in nature. Barry C. Lynn, Harper's, July 2006
Jefferson abolished precedence and placement at White House dinners to emphasize that all guests were equal, but his system—he called it "pell-mell"—was abandoned, and we have guests of honor and use place cards today. Naomi Bliven, New York Times Book Review, 12 Sept. 1999
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
Recent Examples on the Web In teams where people enjoy each other’s company, common goals take precedence over any one person’s goals. Lisa D. Foster, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Dig deep, ask experts and let your intelligence take precedence over feelings. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 There'll be big changes in committee leadership next Congress, along with new priorities taking precedence in the House. Maria Curi, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 At Burgos Santoyo Smith, Inc., the client's well-being takes precedence. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for precedence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precedence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see precede

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of precedence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near precedence

Cite this Entry

“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

precedence

noun
1
: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)
2
: consideration based on order of importance : priority
your safety takes precedence

More from Merriam-Webster on precedence

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