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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
There is also a question over the sequence of events, with the Europeans regarding a ceasefire as the precondition for any talk about territory.
—
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025
The White House had initially made Zelenskyy’s inclusion a condition for a meeting between Trump and Putin to take place, but Trump later said that was not a precondition.
—Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2025
The White House quickly shifted away from its preconditions for the meeting.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2025
In 2015, Milwaukee County launched a Housing First Initiative, providing housing without preconditions.
—Ethan Hylton, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for precondition
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2025
The White House had initially made Zelenskyy’s inclusion a condition for a meeting between Trump and Putin to take place, but Trump later said that was not a precondition.
—Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2025
The White House quickly shifted away from its preconditions for the meeting.
—Chris Boccia, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2025
In 2015, Milwaukee County launched a Housing First Initiative, providing housing without preconditions.
—Ethan Hylton, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for precondition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precondition
Noun
-
The course accepts recruits whose body fat is up to 8% higher or whose scores on the Army's aptitude test are as much as seven points lower than the requirement to become a soldier.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
-
There’s usually a physical requirement, as well as severely playing down the high-wattage glamor that got you on red carpets in the first place.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The humble butter dish, once a purely practical necessity, is enjoying a significant revival, now being showcased on countertops and dining tables in vessels that are both stylish and functional.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Out of necessity, vibrant economic corridors emerged.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The economic conditions have put Fed policymakers in a bind.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Then, in June, Lyles cast the tiebreaking vote deciding not to study ways to improve working conditions for airport employees.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Six months of hands-on experience with Google Cloud and a two-hour exam are prerequisites.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Talent and toughness are, generally, prerequisites for success.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Precondition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precondition. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share