predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
Synonyms of predatorynext
1
a
: of, relating to, or practicing plunder or pillage
b
: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
predatory pricing practices
2
: living by predation : predaceous
also : adapted to predation

Synonyms of predatory

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Examples of predatory in a Sentence

Hawks are predatory and may pose a danger to rabbits and other small pets. The company made millions for investors but clearly engaged in predatory lending practices.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The predatory marsupial, known scientifically as the thylacine, was driven to extinction by excessive hunting, habit loss and the encroachment of invasive species. — USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 If his plea is accepted, court documents say Wetzel will be put on probation for five years and will be added to the predatory offender registry for 10 years. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Garcia and Vargas Bustamante both agreed that not all of the health advice available on social media is useless, predatory or incorrect. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 To legitimize its role as something more than predatory domination, Washington launched the Arab-Israeli peace process in hopes of integrating its Arab allies and Israel into a common security framework. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predatory

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predatory was in 1589

Rhymes for predatory

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Browse Nearby Words

predatoriness
predatory
predawn
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Cite this Entry

“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

predatory

adjective
pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
1
: of, relating to, or marked by robbing or using others for personal gain
predatory raids
2
: living by predation
predatory animals

Legal Definition

predatory

adjective
pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct—National Law Journal
predatory bidding
2
: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
predatory loans
3
: of or relating to a sexual predator
predatory assault
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