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.

But Epstein talk has definitely been on the back burner in recent weeks, with the war in Iran especially taking precedence.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 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

As artificial intelligence accelerates, abundance, cost and reliability must take precedence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

More recent events, other cultural imperatives have taken precedence.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Vocabulary lists containing precedence

"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7

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Antigone

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Trumps

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