as in priority
the right to one's attention before other things considered less important
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of precedence
Pattinson and Zendaya are great in it, but the twist and the moral quandary that comes with it are going to take precedence.
—
Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
In this ranking, those things still matter, but projection takes precedence after watching the players more, gathering more data, speaking with more coaches and personnel staffers and better understanding the quarterbacks’ fits with their new teams.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Existing trademarks typically take precedence over new bids.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
Additionally, agencies may prioritize their own KPIs over the brand's overarching goals, leading flagship assets to take precedence, even when other channels drive the majority of spend and outcomes.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
In this ranking, those things still matter, but projection takes precedence after watching the players more, gathering more data, speaking with more coaches and personnel staffers and better understanding the quarterbacks’ fits with their new teams.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Existing trademarks typically take precedence over new bids.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
Additionally, agencies may prioritize their own KPIs over the brand's overarching goals, leading flagship assets to take precedence, even when other channels drive the majority of spend and outcomes.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
-
This was, in part, because my family didn’t have a lot of money, and updating electronics was a low priority.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
So our priorities may be different than law enforcement with our cameras.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
