precedes

VERB

go ahead of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate foreshadow predate presage

STRONG

antecede antedate guide harbinger head herald introduce lead outrank pace pioneer preexist preface rank scout time usher

WEAK

be ahead of come first forerun go before go in advance have a head start head up in space light the way pave the way ring in run ahead take precedence

Antonyms

STRONG

end finish follow obey

WEAK

go after

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.

Her reputation precedes her, so everyone gets a superstar’s whistle when being defended by Brink.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

“Badlands,” where Springsteen exhorts, “talk about a dream, try to make it real,” comes after “Tom Joad” as a counterbalance to the tale of hope and despair that precedes it.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Actually, he precedes that assessment with an expletive when considering the label in relation to England’s 2006 World Cup team.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

For instance, the secretary of education precedes the secretary of homeland security.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

It is a characteristic of a predator to become invisible to its prey during the quiet and sometimes lengthy stalk that precedes an explosive attack.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston