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
Trump has consistently called China the greatest economic and military threat to the United States, but like former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden before him, other regions have taken precedence, particularly the Middle East amid the Israel–Hamas war.
—Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
Sure, the outfits tend to take precedence over hair, but a good cut can totally transform an aesthetic.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Member schools remain responsible for certifying athlete eligibility for practice and competition, but local, state, and federal laws take precedence over NCAA rules.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Everyone’s pride is intact, everyone feels good, no one has been called ignorant of modern practices, and Miss Manners cares not a whit that kindness and diplomacy have taken precedence over frank confrontation.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for precedence 
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Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
Sure, the outfits tend to take precedence over hair, but a good cut can totally transform an aesthetic.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Member schools remain responsible for certifying athlete eligibility for practice and competition, but local, state, and federal laws take precedence over NCAA rules.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
Everyone’s pride is intact, everyone feels good, no one has been called ignorant of modern practices, and Miss Manners cares not a whit that kindness and diplomacy have taken precedence over frank confrontation.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
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 13 Feb. 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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