predatory

adjective

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pred·a·to·ry | \ ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of predatory

1a : 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

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Examples of predatory in a Sentence

predatory acts of sexual violence hawks are predatory and pose a danger to rabbits and other pets

Recent Examples on the Web Through the new plan, Bloomberg will also introduce a 0.1% tax on all financial transactions to raise money to address wealth inequality and support measures to curb predatory behavior. — Nihal Krishan, Washington Examiner, "Bloomberg takes aim at Wall Street with financial transactions tax and regulations," 18 Feb. 2020 But Green looks beyond Weinstein’s fictional counterpart, taking aim at the structures in place that allow such predatory behavior to continue. — Sonia Rao, Washington Post, "‘The Assistant’ isn’t about Harvey Weinstein. It’s about the culture that enabled him.," 8 Feb. 2020 For their part, prosecutors are banking that the women’s accounts will support one another and establish a pattern of predatory behavior. — Jan Ransom, New York Times, "Key Question in Weinstein Trial: ‘Do You Believe the Women?’," 6 Feb. 2020 Other women have been called in to testify to help bolster the prosecution's allegations of a pattern of predatory behavior. — NBC News, "Weinstein accuser hits back at defense: 'I want this jury to know he's my rapist'," 4 Feb. 2020 While outside the statute of limitations for criminal charges, Sciorra's allegations could be a factor as prosecutors look to prove Weinstein has engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior. — Michael R. Sisak, Anchorage Daily News, "‘I’m being raped’: Weinstein accuser details alleged assault in court," 28 Jan. 2020 Does that mean there is no longer any predatory behavior in this business? — Elizabeth A. Harris, New York Times, "How #MeToo Is Smashing the Casting Couch," 30 Jan. 2020 Most analysts say any meaningful resolution of the main U.S. allegation — that Beijing uses predatory tactics in its drive to supplant America's technological supremacy — could require years of contentious talks. — Kevin Freking, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump signs partial trade deal with China, easing some tensions but leaving most tariffs in place," 15 Jan. 2020 Most analysts say any meaningful resolution of the key U.S. allegation — that Beijing uses predatory tactics in its drive to supplant America’s technological supremacy — could require years of contentious talks. — Paul Wiseman And Joe Mcdonald, SFChronicle.com, "Partial trade pact will ease some U.S.-China tensions," 14 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'predatory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

23 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for predatory

predatory

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of predatory

technical : living by killing and eating other animals

: wrongly harming or using others for pleasure or profit

See the full definition for predatory in the English Language Learners Dictionary

predatory

adjective

pred·a·to·ry | \ ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē

Kids Definition of predatory

: living by killing and eating other animals An owl is a predatory bird.

predatory

adjective

pred·a·to·ry | \ ˈpre-də-ˌtōr-ē

Legal Definition of predatory

1 : inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct — National 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

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