Definition of predatorynext
as in rapacious
living by killing and eating other animals hawks are predatory and pose a danger to rabbits and other pets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 predatory Still, state-by-state variations in debt collectors’ business strategy, the composition of household debt and weaker regulations on predatory loans could play into Texas’ high debt collection burdens, McClendon said. William Tong, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026 But the introduction of predatory mammals including rats and cats left them vulnerable. Tom Page, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026 Some have argued that there is an apparent disconnect between the Christian messaging that Talarico has leaned so heavily into and his warmth toward what many view as a predatory industry. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026 Worse, prediction markets are increasingly adopting the same predatory mechanics as casinos and sportsbooks. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predatory
Adjective
  • Queensland had a rapacious frontier in the 19th century, which led to the establishment of the Native Mounted Police in 1848.
    Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But then there is the rapacious Bavarian and national media, for whom negativity about Bayern is big business, and a dressing room always loaded with forthright personalities and egos.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Brvenik, 44, was diagnosed in 2024 with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Your sense of self takes the lead as the Moon, presently in your sign, opposes aggressive Mars across your partnership zone.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • These food-crops also benefit from the work performed by predaceous insects that control populations of crop-eating invertebrates.
    Bruce Beehler, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Biological control: Parasitic wasps, predaceous beetles and birds assist in lowering sawfly populations.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Villegas pushed for the original measure after dangerous speeding and red-light running by raptorial tow drivers ended in a nearly catastrophic crash in his ward that saw a bus that had been hit by a tow truck plow through a storefront.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Damsel bugs are slender and tan-colored and have slightly raptorial front legs.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023
Adjective
  • State inspectors had never once visited the Esparto facility before the deadly blast; that responsibility fell only to local authorities, until now.
    Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Are all fungi dangerous or deadly?
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Italy happens to be in similarly ferocious form, however, and has won seven of its last eight, albeit losing twice in as many encounters with qualifying group winner Norway last year.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Despite Iran’s remarkably ferocious response across the region – attacking neighbors like Oman who days earlier mediated between Tehran and Washington - weeks of intense airstrikes against its cities and military has not magically left it a hundred feet tall.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Activities showcase Cempedak’s wild landscapes and seascapes, offering complimentary forest birdwatching and night walk safaris, yoga sessions, and watersports equipment, including SUP, kayaking, snorkelling, and windsurfing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • New Jersey is 10 points behind Columbus for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining.
    CBS News, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The loss of books is minor, almost trivial, in light of all the horrors and violence unleashed by this senseless war, but the potential loss of these books is a sad reminder that we’re all affected and implicated in America’s savage flailings.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Conan O'Brien hit almost every note on Sunday — savage, playful, heartfelt and dumb.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predatory. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on predatory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster