precondition

noun

Definition of preconditionnext
as in requirement
something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen An education is an important precondition for getting a good job. They insist on a guarantee as a precondition to the deal.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of precondition For ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, legal certainty and contract enforceability are critical preconditions for re-entering Venezuela. — CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 Neither agreement stipulated the normalizing of relations with Israel as a precondition. — Marie-Rose Sheinerman, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 For Washington, freedom of navigation was always a precondition for broader diplomacy. — Sanam Vakil, Time, 16 July 2026 Economic liberty, which is a precondition for growth and prosperity, was strongly favored by the Constitution’s protections for property and contract. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for precondition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precondition
  1. requirement
  2. necessity
  3. condition
  4. prerequisite
Noun
  • The system has been evaluated through military exercises and training events and has supported operational use in Ukraine, providing BLADE with real-world insight into evolving unmanned ground requirements, according to a press release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The new changes in the electoral law ease some requirements for candidates seeking office, eliminate the need for some financial documents and a mandatory medical certificate, and introduce electronic voter registration.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of requirement
Noun
  • All contemporary, they’re stocked with necessities (from towels to toiletries).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Headphones can be a pricey necessity for music lovers, students and anyone else who loves a great listening experience, but Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event offers plenty of chances to save.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of necessity
Noun
  • Hurricane conditions are expected within the Hurricane Warning area Friday night into early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions beginning on Friday.
    — MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • With top talent more sought-after and mobile than ever before, Sweden creates conditions that attract and retain the best inventors.
    — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of condition
Noun
  • Many are still early in their broader cloud and IT modernization efforts, a prerequisite for deploying AI at scale.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Those last steps together serve as prerequisites for the long-term reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as laid out in phase three.
    — KHALED ELGINDY, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of prerequisite

Browse Nearby Words

preconceptions
precondition
preconditions
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Cite this Entry

“Precondition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precondition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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