predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē 
1
a
: of, relating to, or practicing plunder or pillage
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
Synonyms of predatory
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
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
These productions took place just as the Great Recession was about to mow down the lives and livelihoods of dedicated workers, many of whom lost more than their homes as banks were bailed out despite their predatory shenanigans.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The first land trust was created in Lee County, Georgia, in 1969, to help Black farmers — often targets of predatory lending — own land.
—Amanda Abrams, thehustle.co, 13 Mar. 2026
Last Movies parasitizes the predatory relationship the dominant screen culture encourages people to have with its stars.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predatory
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Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
These productions took place just as the Great Recession was about to mow down the lives and livelihoods of dedicated workers, many of whom lost more than their homes as banks were bailed out despite their predatory shenanigans.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
The first land trust was created in Lee County, Georgia, in 1969, to help Black farmers — often targets of predatory lending — own land.
—Amanda Abrams, thehustle.co, 13 Mar. 2026
Last Movies parasitizes the predatory relationship the dominant screen culture encourages people to have with its stars.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-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
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct—National Law Journal
National Law Journalpredatory 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
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