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
To the extent conflicts arise between tech companies’ climate goals and AI energy needs, meeting the nation’s computing power requirements should take precedence.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
For all the discursive conversations about finding meaning in a dying world, this is still fundamentally a show where plot takes precedence over character.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
However, with Saturn retrograde in your sign, themes of responsibility and accountability take precedence, particularly when considering your self-expression and personal growth.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The need to use fashion as shorthand for values can lead to a rise in minimalist fashion where practicality takes precedence over trendiness.
—Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for precedence 
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James Broughel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
For all the discursive conversations about finding meaning in a dying world, this is still fundamentally a show where plot takes precedence over character.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024
However, with Saturn retrograde in your sign, themes of responsibility and accountability take precedence, particularly when considering your self-expression and personal growth.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The need to use fashion as shorthand for values can lead to a rise in minimalist fashion where practicality takes precedence over trendiness.
—Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for precedence
Articles Related to precedence
Dictionary Entries Near precedence
Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precedence. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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