predatory

adjective

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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about predatory

Keep scrolling for more

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

Because these dogs view cats as prey, this kind of behavior is referred to as predatory aggression. — Patty Khuly, miamiherald, "It’s normal predatory action for some dogs to attack cats roaming their backyards | Miami Herald," 21 Feb. 2018 There is something very predatory about a 40-year-old man seeing a 20-year-old kid. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Sibling wants coming-out guide for ‘Modern Family’," 4 Jan. 2018 The United States complains that China uses predatory practices, including outright cybertheft, in a push to challenge American technological dominance. — Paul Wiseman, BostonGlobe.com, "US proposes tariffs on $200 billion more in Chinese imports," 10 July 2018 The White House has complained that China has used predatory practices in a relentless push to grant Chinese companies an unfair advantage in the industries of the future, including robotics, electric cars and biopharmaceuticals. — Samuel Chamberlain, Fox News, "US to impose new tariffs on additional $200B worth of Chinese imports," 10 July 2018 The United States complains that China uses predatory practices, including outright cybertheft, in a push to challenge American technological dominance. — Paul Wiseman, The Seattle Times, "US proposes tariffs on $200 billion more in Chinese imports," 10 July 2018 Students complained about predatory lending practices, costly degrees and trouble finding jobs. — James Briggs, Indianapolis Star, "Top ITT executives agree to fines, ban from top corporate jobs in SEC settlement," 9 July 2018 In 2010, Wells Fargo agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over the predatory lending practice. — Otis R. Taylor Jr., San Francisco Chronicle, "To bank, it’s a debt cleared up; to woman, it’s a home lost," 7 June 2018 The United States accuses China of using predatory tactics in a push to supplant American technological dominance. — Washington Post, "Analysis: Trade rocks already unstable US-China relations," 7 July 2018

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about predatory

Dictionary Entries near predatory

Statistics for predatory

Last Updated

5 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for predatory

The first known use of predatory was in 1589

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for predatory

predatory

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of predatory

: 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