precede
verb (used with object)
to go before, as in place, order, rank, importance, or time.
had preceded
-
past perfectof precede.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
When Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band released its eponymous first album 50 years ago this month, the LP was unlike anything that had preceded it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
Dan Butler's effort hit the crossbar and went over and every other penalty was scored in a shootout befitting the 120 minutes which had preceded it.
From BBC ● May 18, 2023
The most notable change was the departure of union vice president Alex Caputo-Pearl, who had preceded Myart-Cruz as union president.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
Hall won at Beijing with a run that didn’t look like anything that had preceded it over a week-plus on the super-sized slopestyle course.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2023
They put her in a private room at the hospital, where she began to die with the same signs and symptoms that had preceded Sister M. E.’s death.
From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston
