precedence

noun

pre·​ce·​dence ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s  pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• priority
• right-of-way

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

The final scene of the film and the series remain almost the same, with Lady Ashley realizing her love for Nullah can’t take precedence over his chance to live with his people, specifically his elder King George (the late David Gulpilil). —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 26 Nov. 2023

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

As in all sports, the safety of our players must take precedence above all else. —CBS News, 31 Oct. 2023

State law takes precedence over rules and regulations. —Doug Thompson, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2023

For Washington, competition with Russia and China took precedence over the Middle East. —Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2023

All the while, the automobile industry and allied pressure groups waged a fierce campaign to give drivers unrivaled precedence on the roads. —Jack McCordick, The New Republic, 13 Sep. 2023

While Republican members of Congress and presidential aspirants may have originally planned to use this week to holler about crypto corruption on the part of Democrats, those other events have rightfully taken precedence. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune Crypto, 11 Oct. 2023

Jordan appeared on Sunday Morning Futures, stating that support for Israel must take precedence once a new House speaker is in place. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see precede

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing precedence

• have/take precedence over
• give precedence to

• have/take precedence over
• give precedence to

Kids Definition

precedence

noun

pre·​ce·​dence ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s  pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)

2

: consideration based on order of importance : priority

your safety takes precedence