precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s 
pri-ˈsē-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
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
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
Technical fabrics and physiognomic design took precedence over flair.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Tuesday’s friend-of-the-court brief, led by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office, disputed that federal immigration laws preempt — essentially take precedence over — measures such as the Florida law.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
However, with Callum Wilson’s future uncertain and an exit appearing possible for the striker, a versatile forward may take precedence: someone who is adept at playing out wide and through the middle.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 22 June 2025
However, since this is the first recruiting class following his return, the overall roster needs may take precedence over signing local talent.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
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Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Tuesday’s friend-of-the-court brief, led by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird’s office, disputed that federal immigration laws preempt — essentially take precedence over — measures such as the Florida law.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
However, with Callum Wilson’s future uncertain and an exit appearing possible for the striker, a versatile forward may take precedence: someone who is adept at playing out wide and through the middle.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 22 June 2025
However, since this is the first recruiting class following his return, the overall roster needs may take precedence over signing local talent.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s
pri-ˈsēd-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
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