precedes; preceded; preceding
somewhat formal
1
: to happen, go, or come before (something or someone)
Riots preceded the civil war.
She preceded him into the room.
The country became more conservative in the years that preceded his election.
The new mayor is very different from the person who preceded her in office.
The meeting was preceded by a brief welcoming speech.
2
: to do or say something before (something)
The chairman preceded the meeting with a brief welcoming speech.
Cite this Entry
“Precede.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/precede. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.
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