predaceous

adjective

pre·​da·​ceous pri-ˈdā-shəs 

variants or predacious

1

: living by preying on other animals : predatory

2

usually predacious : tending to devour or despoil : rapacious

predaceousness noun

predacity

pri-ˈda-sə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of predaceous

• predatory

Examples of predaceous in a Sentence

the predaceous animals of the jungle, with the tiger at the top of the food chain

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Look for and conserve natural enemies such as predaceous bugs, lacewings, lady beetles, and syrphids. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025

These predaceous decisions have negatively affected the population of the last frontier and the families & communities of this great state. — Anchorage Daily News, 6 Aug. 2022

Various species of aquatic insects, such as the predaceous diving beetle, use bubbles for breathing underwater. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 May 2021

Early in the season, these mites are pollen feeders, then become predaceous as more prey develops, according to 2012 research at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. — Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indianapolis Star, 15 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin praedari to prey upon (from praeda prey) + English -aceous or -acious (as in rapacious) — more at prey entry 2

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for predaceous

• arenaceous
• argillaceous
• carbonaceous
• contumacious
• coriaceous
• efficacious
• farinaceous
• foliaceous
• membranaceous
• ochraceous
• olivaceous
• ostentatious

Kids Definition

predaceous

adjective

pre·​da·​ceous

variants or predacious

pri-ˈdā-shəs 

: living by preying on others : predatory sense 2