as in precedence
the right to one's attention before other things considered less important
the bill for emergency aid was immediately granted right-of-way
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of right-of-way
New rail projects in the United States typically take decades to develop as managers first plot a route and acquire the necessary rights-of-way to lay track, then design and build other necessary infrastructure, from bridges to stations.
—
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Contact is limited to the torso, and under the event’s right-of-way rules, the fencer who initiates contact first gets the point even if both hit simultaneously.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
His death led to the creation of a state law that mandates that bicyclists have the same right-of-way rights as motorists.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
On top of the right-of-way, the city is extending Henry Street and building a new bridge, set to open in 2026, to connect South Street with a 15-acre White River State Park expansion and the new headquarters of animal health giant Elanco.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for right-of-way
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Contact is limited to the torso, and under the event’s right-of-way rules, the fencer who initiates contact first gets the point even if both hit simultaneously.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
His death led to the creation of a state law that mandates that bicyclists have the same right-of-way rights as motorists.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
On top of the right-of-way, the city is extending Henry Street and building a new bridge, set to open in 2026, to connect South Street with a 15-acre White River State Park expansion and the new headquarters of animal health giant Elanco.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for right-of-way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for right-of-way
Noun
-
Light and natural materials take precedence in all of the studio’s projects, which are each filtered through the unique lens of client and context.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
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This fourth pillar should take precedence right now, a time when, according to my company's research, deal volume is down and VCs are focused on supporting their existing portfolio companies toward successful future rounds or exits.—
Ray Zhou,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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My priority has always been their wellbeing — and my own healing.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
19 July 2025
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Competing priorities—especially those coming from different functional leads—create friction, burnout, and eventually distrust.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Right-of-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/right-of-way. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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