insectivore

noun

Definition of insectivorenext
as in carnivore

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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 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 More on Groundhogs Moles Moles are insectivores, tunneling to find food. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025 The sparrowhawk is an aggressive bird of prey, adept at hunting and fighting, while the cuckoo’s nest targets are smaller birds and mostly insectivores. — Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insectivore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insectivore
  1. carnivore
  2. animal
  3. omnivore
  4. creature
  5. critter
  6. beastie
  7. varmint
  8. vermin
Noun
  • If the tuft is real feathers, with barbs around a shaft, Gonzo sits on the lineage that produced theropod dinosaurs—two-legged carnivores like Tyrannosaurus—and eventually birds.
    — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Evidence from fireplaces, animal remains, carnivores, and even owl pellets suggested that people occupied it only briefly.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of carnivore
Noun
  • Slotterbeck is a retired research analyst who is passionate about the environment, particularly animal conservation.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Even poor Maggie the cat — the only living animal in Digger’s house and possibly one of the last living animals in the world — is decomposing in his arms, his sister (Sandra Hüller) says with a shudder.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • The speckled omnivores can weigh upwards of 10 pounds, largely thanks to a diet that regularly includes eggs, small animals, fruits, and vegetables.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 June 2026
  • North American river otters are omnivores, feeding on fish, turtles, crabs, mollusks, birds, oysters, shellfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents and insects.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of omnivore
Noun
  • While most long-bodied marine creatures swim like eels by flexing their whole bodies, the oarfish remains almost perfectly still.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Signs that a bat may be rabid include the creature being active during the day, or if it is found on the ground or unable to fly.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • Clear blue skies are hovering over the Pharmalot campus, where a cool breeze is wafting by and the official mascots are bounding about the grounds in search of critters.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Already, some of these critters have moved into the area while the work continues.
    — Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of critter
Noun
  • Greg and Denise are having some marital issues, but everybody needs to put other concerns aside to stay alive with nasty raptors and other hungry beasties around.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And when that happens, astronomers will set about studying these new beasties with other eyes on the sky to learn more about them and hopefully understand them.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of beastie
Noun
  • With the right rifle, a 25 Creedmoor shooter has the ultimate combo rig for deer, varmints, and long-range target shooting.
    — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
  • No air-conditioning, no insulation, its charm blunted by DIY additions, discount drywall, generations of putty and steel wool stuffed into varmint tunnels.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Definition of varmint
Noun
  • Jurors heard testimony from three of Alsheikh’s victims who said they were packed into small, filthy, cold, wet cells that were infested with insects and other vermin.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But several involved vermin, which can be stubborn squatters to remove.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of vermin

Browse Nearby Words

insecticides
insectivore
insectivores
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Cite this Entry

“Insectivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insectivore. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insectivore

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insectivore

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