precedence

Plural: precedences

Noun

• status established in order of importance or urgency
  • "...its precedence as the world's leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals"
• preceding in time
• the act of preceding in time or order or rank (as in a ceremony)
• The state of preceding in importance or priority.
• Precedent.

Examples

• Family takes precedence over work, in an emergency.

Synonyms

antecedence, antecedency, anteriority, precedency, precession, priority

Antonyms

posteriority

Related Words

Not to be confused with precedent