predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine
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

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
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.
The images speak to the devastation wrought by oil addiction and war, echoing in the present as populist leaders like Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro threatens new conflicts over natural resources, eyeing Guyana's Essequibo region with predatory intent. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 There were also sightings of less predatory creatures, like capuchin monkeys and the guinea pig-like agouti. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 7 July 2025 Themes in the series include predatory male behavior, family and love, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 July 2025 The idea was to punish predatory men by seducing them and then humiliating them. Jane Smiley june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for predatory

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predatory was in 1589

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

predatory

adjective
pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
-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 How to pronounce predatory (audio)
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conductNational Law Journal
predatory 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

More from Merriam-Webster on predatory

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