insectivore

Definition of insectivorenext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of insectivore Moreover, in every case, the ancestors were either insectivores or carnivores, with insect-eaters making the shift about three times more often than carnivores. Rupendra Brahambhatt, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025 Belonging to the same group of mammals as sloths and anteaters, armadillos are voracious insectivores that eat large numbers of beetles, grubs, ants, termites, and other insects, grabbing them with their sticky tongues. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 July 2025 The lemurs and tenrecs of Madagascar, for example, are descended from primates and insectivores that used to be much more widespread. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025 Among the species declines that have led to billions fewer birds in North America over the last half-century, grassland birds and aerial insectivores have been hit especially hard, having lost many bugs that once fed them. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 22 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insectivore
Noun
  • Since the 1950s, coyotes have expanded their geographic range by about 40%, roughly twice the rate of other North American carnivores.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There’s even a whole suborder of carnivores called the pinnipeds, which includes seals, sea lions, and walruses who move between land and water.
    Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • An account on the social media platform X, purporting to be Jonathan's veterinarian Joe Hollins, posted an announcement that the animal had died at age 193.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Scythia’s plants are its animals, and vice versa, blooming and breeding in alternate generations.
    Stephanie Burt, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These stones suggest the dinosaur was an opportunistic omnivore, snacking on everything from prehistoric ferns to crunchy insects and small animals.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
  • That’s largely because these bears are omnivores with a preference for plants.
    Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Trying to reach for that classic creature feature, Cinemascope, old Hollywood vibe.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • One by one, its resident creatures began to die.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • How to get rid of bed bugs The critter will stick around as long as humans allow them in their home.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Now, viral video footage of a group of dogs stranded on the side of a busy roadway in China has drawn plenty of comparisons to the story, showing a reminiscent group of household critters huddling together.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Abby’s Magical Beasties, where one of the beasties goes missing, and Abby must problem-solve.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In a horrific twist, Kasumi (Kana Hanazawa) wakes up way too early — and thus has to battle the ferocious beasties to survive.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Money speaks, the land listens, where the Anarchist skulked, where the horsethief plied his trade, we fishers of Americans will cast our nets of perfect ten-acre mesh, leveled and varmint-proofed, ready to build on.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Another disadvantage: Adding banana peels directly to the soil may attract unwelcome varmints.
    Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The neighborhood group’s petition says the property has been left unsecured, causing break-ins and squatting, while several units have been severely damaged by fire alongside issues with water, trash, mold and vermin.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Insectivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insectivore. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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