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
While Rubio has historically supported a tough stance against authoritarian governments in the region, his involvement in the Chevron licensing process suggests that broader U.S. strategic interests—particularly energy security—are now taking precedence.
—
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Soundbars that are longer than a TV can be aesthetically displeasing to the eye, but quality should always take precedence.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
Light and natural materials take precedence in all of the studio’s projects, which are each filtered through the unique lens of client and context.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025
This fourth pillar should take precedence right now, a time when, according to my company's research, deal volume is down and VCs are focused on supporting their existing portfolio companies toward successful future rounds or exits.
—Ray Zhou, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Soundbars that are longer than a TV can be aesthetically displeasing to the eye, but quality should always take precedence.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
Light and natural materials take precedence in all of the studio’s projects, which are each filtered through the unique lens of client and context.
—Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2025
This fourth pillar should take precedence right now, a time when, according to my company's research, deal volume is down and VCs are focused on supporting their existing portfolio companies toward successful future rounds or exits.
—Ray Zhou, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precedence
priority
Noun
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Having already drawn billions of dollars and resources, leaders at the company claimed the Metaverse was a priority for the tech giant in late 2022, even as AI grew in prominence.—
Rashi Shrivastava,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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The first priority was to keep Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy out of the room, rather than have the three-way meeting that Trump — to his credit — was suggesting.—
Marc Champion,
Twin Cities,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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