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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

If Facebook or Instagram are invaluable tools for a business to attract customers, that should probably take precedence over credit-card point tallies and the need to travel in style, Grossman notes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

For the tables below, outright weekly wins take precedence over ties and total points - and always have done, not just because that's the only way Chris would be on top at the moment!

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

I can read about the fact that maybe at a time saxophone was taking precedence over jazz vocals or with each era, there’s a new focus.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

More recent events, other cultural imperatives have taken precedence.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.