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

That would leave a sitting Fed chair and his predecessor voting side by side, a scenario with little modern precedent.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“We try to interpret American law with American precedent based on American history,” the justice told Sauer.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 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

There was no precedent for this: my father had never visited my room before.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover