as in hierarchy
a series of types of living things in which each one uses the next lower member of the series as a source of food
Sharks eat fish that are lower in the food chain. animals that are at the top of the food chain
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for food chain
Noun
-
Without a strict hierarchy or single decision-maker, our process can sometimes be slow, messy, or even tiring.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025 -
The central factor is the growing power asymmetry between China and India, and Beijing demanding deference within Asia—a hierarchy India resists.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The layout, designed by architect Lek Bunnag, boasts groupings of villas and semi-private pools with a main central Moon Pool and bar located on the cliffside.—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Other potential groupings include 2006 Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay, who could reunite with her former Law & Order co-lead (and close friend) Christopher Meloni.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Food chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/food%20chain. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share