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Definition of precedented

precedented

/ˈprɛs.ɪ.dən.tɪd/
prec · e · dent · ed
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precedented Lexical Profile

precedented Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a precedent; supported, justified, or exemplified by an earlier parallel case, action, or example.

Example

"The historian argued that the constitutional crisis was actually precedented by a similar dispute in the nineteenth century."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for precedented
Antonyms
View all antonyms for precedented

Word Nuance & Usage

Although "precedented" is a legitimate adjective attested since the 17th century, it is far less common than its negative counterpart "unprecedented" and is today most frequently used to contrast with or push back against claims that an event is unprecedented.

• Nearby Words

precede
precedence
precedent
precedented
preceding
precentrix
precept

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the noun "precedent" (which derives via Old French from Latin praecedere, meaning "to go before") combined with the participial suffix "-ed."

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Precedented. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/precedented
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