precede
verb (used with object)
to go before, as in place, order, rank, importance, or time.
have preceded
-
present perfectof precede.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
In the past, similarly low readings — which suggest investors aren’t all that worried about a bond-market selloff — have preceded stretches of strong equity returns.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 22, 2025
That said, there have been situations when relatively modest quakes have preceded huge ones.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2025
Lawyers for the officers, however, have emphasized that a woman who lives near where Ellis died testified that she heard sounds of a struggle that may have preceded eyewitnesses’ arrival.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 8, 2023
Similar valuation levels have preceded periods of rocky performance.
From Reuters ● Jun. 23, 2023
The sequence was illogical—the drowning scene, followed by a rescue, should have preceded the marriage proposal.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
