precedent
noun
a legal decision or form of proceeding serving as an authoritative rule or pattern in future similar or analogous cases.
precedents
-
pluralof precedent.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Jackson flags this exact relationship in her dissent, as the court’s new ruling Monday “lets another shoe drop in the Kafkaesque nightmare that our precedents have been steadily creating for certain plaintiffs.”
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
The court’s precedents are creating an invisible tightrope very few plaintiffs can cross successfully.
From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026
Ms. Lane’s history includes several cases that provided legal precedents on homeschooling.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
And some of that line crossing could set dangerous precedents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Total accident. I forgot all about the fake finger. There are several precedents, I believe.”
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
