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precondition

noun

Definition of preconditionnext
as in requirement
something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen An education is an important precondition for getting a good job. They insist on a guarantee as a precondition to the deal.

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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 precondition Neither agreement stipulated the normalizing of relations with Israel as a precondition. — Marie-Rose Sheinerman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 For Washington, freedom of navigation was always a precondition for broader diplomacy. — Sanam Vakil, Time, 16 July 2026 Economic liberty, which is a precondition for growth and prosperity, was strongly favored by the Constitution’s protections for property and contract. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026 His party failed to win a supermajority, barring him from amending the constitution to give up Armenia’s claims to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a central demand of Azerbaijan as a precondition for a lasting peace deal. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for precondition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precondition
  1. requirement
  2. necessity
  3. condition
  4. prerequisite
Noun
  • By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Yet after this rapid expansion, any potential slowdown in AI demand growth, or efficiency gains that reduce data center power requirements, could introduce significant instability into power grid operations.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • Diners have been eating out less frequently, trying to save money while paying more for gas, groceries and other necessities.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Between the former’s inconsistency and the latter’s struggles to stay healthy, Levi might be the Oilers’ definitive starter out of nothing more than pure necessity.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of necessity
Noun
  • Secor is studying new ink materials designed to withstand extreme conditions, including the temperature swings encountered in space.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Scoggin set bail at $400,000 with no conditions and $200,000 with conditions.
    — TIM SULLIVAN, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of condition
Noun
  • Crane didn’t answer directly whether experience running an entire department is a prerequisite for this job.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Critical thinking is still a prerequisite and should be taught alongside systems thinking; the starting point for students is to capture that thinking first and then have AI challenge that thinking in a productive way.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of prerequisite

Browse Nearby Words

preconceptions
precondition
preconditions
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Cite this Entry

“Precondition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precondition. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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