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Synonyms

priority

American  
[prahy-awr-i-tee, -or-] / praɪˈɔr ɪ ti, -ˈɒr- /

noun

plural

priorities
  1. the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.

  2. the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.

  3. the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., especially during a shortage.

  4. something given special attention.


adjective

  1. highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc..

    a priority task.

priority British  
/ praɪˈɒrɪtɪ /

noun

  1. the condition of being prior; antecedence; precedence

  2. the right of precedence over others

  3. something given specified attention

    my first priority

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonpriority adjective

Etymology

Origin of priority

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French priorite, from Medieval Latin priōritās; prior 1, -ity

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.

"They were really high priority science for us, so the fact that they saw four or five was just outstanding."

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Prosecutors were on notice from the Justice Department’s senior leadership that the case was a priority and told to make arrests quickly, current and former prosecutors said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Slaughter declined to say which of any of the party's policies would be a red line in negotiations with other parties hoping to lead the next government, but said that housing was a priority.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Bass has staked much of her reelection campaign on her handling of the homelessness crisis, which she made a top priority as soon as she took office.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Because Galileo rushed into print, his claim to priority was undisputed.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton