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
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Recent Examples of precedence
The carrier is urging the court to rule that a March Federal Communications Commission order on retiring aging copper networks takes precedence over state rules.
—
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 21 May 2026
There are family dynamics that also take precedence and priority in between albums, tours, or life.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
However, despite endless talks, Beijing never budges, and eventually domestic concerns take precedence as midterms loom.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 May 2026
With inflation surging again, high interest rates remaining paused and borrowing costs subsequently elevated, short-term protection for your money takes precedence now … or at least until economic conditions begin to improve.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 21 May 2026
There are family dynamics that also take precedence and priority in between albums, tours, or life.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
However, despite endless talks, Beijing never budges, and eventually domestic concerns take precedence as midterms loom.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 May 2026
With inflation surging again, high interest rates remaining paused and borrowing costs subsequently elevated, short-term protection for your money takes precedence now … or at least until economic conditions begin to improve.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
-
Calls about stray dogs are added to the response queue, but public safety calls receive priority.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Joseph also criticized the inability of lawmakers to work across the aisle to pass legislation that would help residents rather than focusing on the priorities of special interests.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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