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precedence

noun

ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s How to pronounce precedence (audio)
Definition of precedencenext
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

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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 Early in September, everything from finishing tasks to tying up loose ends takes precedence. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 If a teacher, school, or district outlines an AI policy more restrictive than this one, that policy takes precedence for students submitting to the contest as part of a class assignment. — USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The Norwegian Constitution was altered in 1990 to allow the first born, regardless of gender, to take precedence in the line of succession. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 The Norwegian Constitution was altered in 1990 to allow the firstborn, regardless of gender, to take precedence in the line of succession. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
  • Venus in your partnership zone forms an awkward connection to Uranus in your finance sector, making differences around spending, security, or priorities harder to ignore.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Some unions have also come out in opposition, saying other areas of state spending should be priorities too.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of priority

Browse Nearby Words

preceded
precedence
precedences
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Cite this Entry

“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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