Synonyms of precedent

1. precedent, case in point, example, illustration, instance, representative: usage: an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
2. case law, precedent, common law, civil law: usage: (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
3. common law, case law, precedent, law, jurisprudence: usage: a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws; "common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
4. precedent, subject, topic, theme: usage: a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)

1. precedent, preceding(prenominal) (vs. succeeding): usage: preceding in time, order, or significance