Definition of right-of-waynext
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

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 right-of-way In many towns and cities, homeowners are expected to mow, edge, and maintain the grassy strip adjacent to their property, even if the land technically belongs to the municipality as part of the public right-of-way. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 Depending on funding, right-of-way acquisition and permits, construction is expected to start in 2027, According to CTDOT. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026 Her words bolstered Matthews argument, casting doubt on whether the path had in fact been used by the public on a continuous basis sufficient to establish a right-of-way. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026 McKinnon said the delay reflects the difficulty of balancing drone operators’ needs for less restrictive regulation with those of traditional aviation, particularly around manned aircraft giving right-of-way to drones. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for right-of-way
Recent Examples of Synonyms for right-of-way
Noun
  • More broadly, the season moved away from formulaic dressing toward a more individual, instinctive approach to style, where contrasting references and personal expression take precedence over a single aesthetic.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
  • That makes sense as gasoline and food have been on the rise and will take precedence over a much more discretionary category like fashion.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Musk has repeatedly treated the sports car as a lower priority than Tesla’s other projects, while also blaming supply chain shortages for earlier delays.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • At a first glance, climate change, once touted as a key priority by the two most influential international financial institutions, has fallen off the agenda.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Right-of-way.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/right-of-way. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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