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
Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
In many cases, the relationships predate last year’s campaign.
—Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Contrary to many readings of Pluribus since its premiere, the gestation of the idea predated recent developments in generative artificial intelligence and the pandemic.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Any person with a passing understanding of New York City subway culture knows that riding outside the train predates social media.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
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Verb
His relationship with the company predates the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, the federal law requiring manufacturers to publicly disclose their payments to doctors.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
In many cases, the relationships predate last year’s campaign.
—Daniel Bush, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Contrary to many readings of Pluribus since its premiere, the gestation of the idea predated recent developments in generative artificial intelligence and the pandemic.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Any person with a passing understanding of New York City subway culture knows that riding outside the train predates social media.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for predate
Cite this Entry
“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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predate
verb
pre·date
(ˈ)prē-ˈdāt 
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