precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpre-sə-dən(t)s 
pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s
pri-ˈsē-dᵊn(t)s
1
a
: priority of importance
your safety takes precedence
b
: the right to superior honor on a ceremonial or formal occasion
c
: the order of ceremonial or formal preference
2
a
: the fact of coming or occurring earlier in time
b
obsolete
: antecedent
Examples of precedence in a Sentence
Americans, Adams now believed, were as driven by the passions for wealth and precedence as any people in history. Ambition, avarice, and resentment, not virtue and benevolence, were the stuff of American society.
—
Gordon S. Wood, Revolutionary Characters, 2006
So, too, did most accept that all economies are characterized by struggles for power and precedence among men and institutions run by men; in other words, that all economies are fundamentally political in nature.
—Barry C. Lynn, Harper's, July 2006
Jefferson abolished precedence and placement at White House dinners to emphasize that all guests were equal, but his system—he called it "pell-mell"—was abandoned, and we have guests of honor and use place cards today.
—Naomi Bliven, New York Times Book Review, 12 Sept. 1999
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
Gordon S. Wood, Revolutionary Characters, 2006
So, too, did most accept that all economies are characterized by struggles for power and precedence among men and institutions run by men; in other words, that all economies are fundamentally political in nature.
—Barry C. Lynn, Harper's, July 2006
Jefferson abolished precedence and placement at White House dinners to emphasize that all guests were equal, but his system—he called it "pell-mell"—was abandoned, and we have guests of honor and use place cards today.
—Naomi Bliven, New York Times Book Review, 12 Sept. 1999
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
Recent Examples on the Web
However, after World War II, Cold War strategy took precedence over economic protectionism.
—Tim Overton, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
He has been criticised before for his lack of rotation but, with no major trophies to show for the huge progress since the 2020 FA Cup triumph in Arteta’s first six months, the Champions League took precedence this week.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
In the cybersecurity space, flexibility in contract terms, cost-effectiveness and scalability take precedence.
—Forbes Research, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The ironic bits and poignant moments rarely gel and a focus on redundant innuendos takes precedence over character development and a meaningful storyline.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
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Tim Overton, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
He has been criticised before for his lack of rotation but, with no major trophies to show for the huge progress since the 2020 FA Cup triumph in Arteta’s first six months, the Champions League took precedence this week.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
In the cybersecurity space, flexibility in contract terms, cost-effectiveness and scalability take precedence.
—Forbes Research, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The ironic bits and poignant moments rarely gel and a focus on redundant innuendos takes precedence over character development and a meaningful storyline.
—Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precedence
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
precedence
noun
pre·ce·dence
ˈpres-əd-ən(t)s
pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s
pri-ˈsēd-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the act or fact of preceding (as in time)
2
: consideration based on order of importance : priority
your safety takes precedence
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