precedent

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.

Legal experts say the decisions taken by the constitutional bench would set the precedent for adjudicating similar cases.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

As it happens, however, there is a direct precedent under U.S. law, well known to the drafters of the 14th Amendment, explaining that the demands of allegiance attach even to temporary or unlawful entrants.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

The ECB took over banking supervision across the euro zone in 2014, setting a positive precedent for capital markets.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Their reasoning appeared to largely rest on historical precedent: When stocks retreat due to a geopolitical shock, they often recover within a matter of weeks, if not days.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

But there was precedent in my life for this letter.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey