Definition of prioritynext
as in precedence
the right to one's attention before other things considered less important the committee has decided to give your request priority, so you'll have a meeting early tomorrow morning

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 priority South Dakota benefited from billions of dollars of federal pandemic aid during the COVID-19 crisis, which skewed the state's budgeting and spending priorities in past years, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 29 Jan. 2026 For most people, assessing a bear’s weight or fur color isn’t a top priority during an unexpected encounter in the woods. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Jan. 2026 Interested states are encouraged to outline their specific strategic priorities, such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, or technology leadership. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026 The forum showcased Democratic tensions between environmental priorities and voter concerns about affordability, such as gas prices. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priority
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priority
precedence
Noun
  • For intersections that include a State and County maintained roadway, the state takes precedence and has jurisdiction.
    Tara Lynch, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Condé Nast User Agreement, this Agreement will take precedence.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Priority.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priority. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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