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
  • The carnivore also had interlocking rows of teeth designed for catching slippery fish.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The mini lamb chops are a classic treat for carnivores.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One code violation prohibits residents from having more than three animals and two additional animals up to three months of age in one household.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The aquarium opened a new era Tuesday with the announcement that Jenny Gray — a leader known for her work in animal ethics, welfare and conservation in Australia — will become just the second chief executive to lead the Monterey aquarium.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Card-carrying herbivores, seed-eaters, and omnivores switched to a cicada-heavy diet during a brood emergence in Washington, D.C., in 2021, according to Martha Weiss, a professor of biology at George Washington University.
    Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025
  • But slugs can be beneficial omnivores that feed on algae, fungi, decomposing organic matter and plants.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Jamieson expects other Antarctic sharks live at the same depth, feeding on the carcasses of whales, giant squids and other marine creatures that die and sink to the bottom.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Shinomiya pays detailed attention to everything on screen, crafting not just the faces and emotions of the characters, but also all the other creatures, natural landforms and skies of this story world.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But at many shelters, including Marin Humane, there are lots of other critters looking for their forever homes.
    Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Rosemary makes one of the best companion plants for apple trees because of its strong scent that's unpleasing to critters looking to snack on a juicy red apple.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 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.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado February 13, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Detroit seniors have long raised concerns about poor rental housing conditions from mold infestation and vermin to lack of heat and inadequate security measures.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Insectivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insectivore. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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