verb
1.
to go before in rank, dignity, or importance
the small countries at the conference were preceded by the large wealthy ones
those who still feel that age should precede beauty
Synonyms: outrank, rank
2.
to go before in time
all-out war was preceded by many small raids
Synonyms: antecede, antedate, forerun, pace, predate
Related Word: announce, foreshadow, harbinger, herald, presage
Contrasted words: ensue, supervene
Antonyms: follow, succeed
3.
to cause to be preceded
preceded her address with a welcome to the visitors
Synonyms: introduce, lead, preface, usher
Antonyms: follow