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 + over
The safety of the children has/takes precedence over everything else.

Examples of have/take precedence over in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For one, as AI adoption progresses, a greater proportion of workloads is predicted to transition from training to inference, where efficiency and cost take precedence over raw computing power. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 25 July 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 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 Obviously, seven-game finishes will take precedence over six-gamers here. Zach Harper, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for have/take precedence over

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Have/take precedence over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%2Ftake%20precedence%20over. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!