precedential

[ pres-i-den-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or constituting a precedent.
2. having precedence.

precedential

/ ˌprɛsɪˈdɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or serving as a precedent
2. having precedence

Derived Forms

• ˌpreceˈdentially, adverb

Other Words From

• nonprec·e·dential adjective
• unprec·e·dential adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of precedential¹

First recorded in 1635–45; precedent + -ial

Example Sentences

“At this point, Zafirov is a district court decision without precedential value,” wrote two corporate lawyers in a recent analysis.

From Los Angeles Times

She countered that the Supreme Court has never issued a precedential ruling on the matter and said the Constitution didn’t envision deadlines.

From Washington Times

“Moreover, the office treats its prior memos as precedential — so understanding war powers law requires understanding these prior memos. Yet, until now, no one else has been able to see them.”

From New York Times

“This is a precedential system which goes both ways — if you win or lose — and sends a signal to the market,” Ms. Allensworth said.

From New York Times

Dissents have, of course, no precedential value in the conventional sense.

From New York Times