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

However, Lucy’s behavior is creating a disruptive environment for your younger daughter; that should take precedence. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025

Obviously, seven-game finishes will take precedence over six-gamers here. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025

Williams agreed on a preliminary basis, citing the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution, which says federal law takes precedence over state and local laws. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025

But their hopes of getting a bill through the Senate this month have withered as other priorities take precedence. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see precede

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing precedence

• give precedence to
• have/take precedence over

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