predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē 
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
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
As few large animals were present at that time, Praearcturus was free to become a predatory giant, according to the NYPost.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026
The Oregon Republican became a force in the Senate before his predatory behavior ended his political career.
—Laurence I. Barrett, Washington Post, 7 June 2026
For decades, New York had protections against this kind of predatory behavior through its champerty law, which prohibited investors from purchasing debt solely to file lawsuits for profit.
—Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
And when cilantro blooms, its lacy flowers attract predatory insects that feed on the pests that damage pepper plants.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predatory
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026
The Oregon Republican became a force in the Senate before his predatory behavior ended his political career.
—Laurence I. Barrett, Washington Post, 7 June 2026
For decades, New York had protections against this kind of predatory behavior through its champerty law, which prohibited investors from purchasing debt solely to file lawsuits for profit.
—Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
And when cilantro blooms, its lacy flowers attract predatory insects that feed on the pests that damage pepper plants.
—Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-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
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct—National Law Journal
National Law Journalpredatory 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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