precession

[pree-sesh-uhn] / priˈsɛʃ ən /

NOUN

precedence

Synonyms

STRONG

antecedence earliness lead precedency preeminence preexistence preference primary priority rank seniority superiority supremacy

WEAK

anteposition prevenience previousness

Antonyms

STRONG

subservience

WEAK

inferiority last lowest

NOUN

precedency

Synonyms

STRONG

antecedence earliness lead preeminence preexistence preference primary priority rank seniority superiority supremacy

WEAK

anteposition prevenience previousness right of way

Antonyms

STRONG

subservience

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.

Its axis slowly wobbles over time like a spinning top, a movement known as axial precession.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

As their orbit shrinks, the stars' precession speeds up, while the planet's precession slows down.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

The stars themselves also undergo precession, but for a different reason.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

This subtle difference changes Saturn's precession rate so that it no longer aligns with Neptune's.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

But modern astrologers have forgotten about the precession of the equinoxes, which Ptolemy understood.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan