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Definitions

precedence

[pres-i-duhns, pri-seed-ns] / ˈprɛs ɪ dəns, prɪˈsid ns /
NOUN
highest in rank; first in order
Synonyms
STRONG
antecedence earliness lead precedency precession preeminence preexistence preference primary priority rank seniority superiority supremacy
WEAK
anteposition prevenience previousness
Antonyms
STRONG
subservience
WEAK
inferiority last lowest

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With the great majority of past presidents personal mood didn’t have such precedence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Few could say they were surprised by the nine changes after the Portuguese had hinted in his pre-match comments that surviving in the Premier League took precedence.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

From a retirement perspective — while acknowledging that market returns are not guaranteed — reducing stress, risk and tax complexity should take precedence over marginal financial gains.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 1, 2026

It’s true that’s very high on a historical basis but “there is precedence for S&P 500 Semiconductor returns heading even higher,” he writes.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

As devoted as he was to the ANC, his medical practice took precedence.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela