predated; predating; predates
: to prey on (something or someone)
Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.—
Jenny Diski
Jenny DiskiAre high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?—Alex McKinnon
Alex McKinnonAll cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.—Kevin Stafford
Kevin StaffordThere are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.—Revati
RevatiExamples of predate in a Sentence
Verb (1)
modes of transportation that predate the car
the native people who predated European settlers in America
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
The inquiry into Kent’s alleged mishandling of classified information reportedly predates his resignation, according to multiple people with knowledge of the matter, Semafor first reported.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
The investigation predates Kent’s departure, the four people said; one of them described it as being months-long.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
That the show predated the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes its send-up of superhero themes that much more trenchant in retrospect.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predate
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Verb
The backstory The Ranch Malibu is widely recognized as one of the original destination wellness retreats of its kind in the US, predating many high‑profile health hospitality brands and helping define the structured immersion model.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
The inquiry into Kent’s alleged mishandling of classified information reportedly predates his resignation, according to multiple people with knowledge of the matter, Semafor first reported.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
The investigation predates Kent’s departure, the four people said; one of them described it as being months-long.
—Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
That the show predated the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes its send-up of superhero themes that much more trenchant in retrospect.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predate
Cite this Entry
“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predate
verb
pre·date
(ˈ)prē-ˈdāt 
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