Precedent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun verb /pri-ˈsē-dᵊnt/ (adjective) /ˈpre-sə-dənt/ (noun) pre·ce·dent

Meaning & Definition of Precedent

Precedent (adjective)

  1. prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance

Precedent (noun)

  1. an earlier occurrence of something similar
  2. something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind; specifically, law, a judicial decision that should be followed by a judge when deciding a later similar case
  3. the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice

Precedent (verb)

  1. to be a previous example of, to be a precedent of
  2. to furnish with or support or justify by a precedent

Precedent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. going before another in time or order

    "behavior that may be explained by a precedent event in her troubled life"

    similar: antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, prior
    related: advance, early, premature, earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer, preexisting, introductory, preliminary, erstwhile, whilom
    opposite: after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent, succeeding
    near: advanced, late, closing, concluding, final, last, latest, latter, terminal, ultimate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Precedent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Precedent:

antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, prior

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Precedent

Words with the opposite meaning of Precedent:

after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent, succeeding

Related Words for Precedent

advance, early, premature, earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, original, pioneer, preexisting, introductory, preliminary, erstwhile, whilom

Near Antonyms of Precedent

advanced, late, closing, concluding, final, last, latest, latter, terminal, ultimate

Word Forms of Precedent

Inflections: precedented, precedenting, precedents

Origin & Etymology of Precedent

Middle English, "preceding in time or order," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French precedant, borrowed from Latin praecēdent-, praecēdens, present participle of praecēdere "to "to go in front (of), occur at an earlier time (than)" precede

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Precedent

Words & Phrases Containing Precedent

break (with) precedent, set a precedent

Frequently Asked Questions about Precedent

What does "Precedent" mean?

"Precedent" means prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance.

What is another word for "Precedent"?

Other words for "Precedent" include antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous and prior. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Precedent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Precedent"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Precedent". Common alternatives include antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous and prior.

What is the opposite of "Precedent"?

Antonyms of "Precedent" include after, ensuing, following, later, posterior, subsequent and succeeding. Near antonyms include advanced, late, closing and concluding.

How do you use "Precedent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Precedent" in a sentence: "behavior that may be explained by a precedent event in her troubled life".

Is "Precedent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Precedent" can be used as an adjective, a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Precedent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Precedent" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Precedent"?

"Precedent" is pronounced /pri-ˈsē-dᵊnt/ as an adjective and /ˈpre-sə-dənt/ as a noun and divided into syllables as pre·ce·dent.