precede

verb

pre·​cede pri-ˈsēd How to pronounce precede (audio)
preceded; preceding

transitive verb

1
: to surpass in rank, dignity, or importance
2
: to be, go, or come ahead or in front of
3
: to be earlier than
4
: to cause to be preceded : preface

intransitive verb

: to go or come before

Examples of precede in a Sentence

Minutes before 10:30 p.m. in China, the stadium pulsed with the emotions that always precede a 100-meter final. Tim Layden, Sports Illustrated, 25 Aug. 2008
But research has now shown that so-called responses to rhythm actually precede the external beat. We anticipate the beat … Oliver Sacks, Musicophilia, 2007
The print media ape the manners of television, and on television form precedes content, emotion replaces thought, legend substitutes for history, fiction dictates to fact. Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, September 1998
Riots preceded the civil war. She preceded him into the room. The country became more conservative in the years that preceded his election. The new mayor is very different from the person who preceded her in office. The meeting was preceded by a brief welcoming speech. The chairman preceded the meeting with a brief welcoming speech.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Kuester is survived by his cousin, Mary Gorski, and was preceded in death by mother Patricia Luckey, father James Kuester and brother Anthony Kuester. Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025 The family said he is preceded in death by Rebecca, his wife of 67 years, and by his son Kimber. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025 However, as with preceding airstrikes over the past year, this latest attack did not deter the Houthis from retaliating by firing ballistic missiles at Israel. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame member Travis will be honored as the recipient of the ACM milestone award, which is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding achievements in country music during the preceding calendar year. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for precede

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French preceder, from Latin praecedere, from prae- pre- + cedere to go

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precede was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precede. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

precede

verb
pre·​cede pri-ˈsēd How to pronounce precede (audio)
preceded; preceding
: to be, go, or come before (as in rank, position, or time)

More from Merriam-Webster on precede

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