as in priority
the right to one's attention before other things considered less important
his merchandise order takes precedence because we received it first
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Recent Examples of precedence
If both Nebraska initiatives pass, the one that receives more votes would take precedence.
—
Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
For many local officials, achieving industrial advancement and ensuring supply chain security take precedence over stimulating consumer spending.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
The judge dismissed the charges based on the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which dictates that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
There’s even more damning precedence in Fire & Blood.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 28 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for precedence 
Nathaniel Rakich, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
For many local officials, achieving industrial advancement and ensuring supply chain security take precedence over stimulating consumer spending.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2024
The judge dismissed the charges based on the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which dictates that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
There’s even more damning precedence in Fire & Blood.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 28 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for precedence
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Cite this Entry
“Precedence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precedence. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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