predator

noun

ˈpre-də-tər How to pronounce predator (audio)
Definition of predatornext
as in vampire
a person who habitually preys upon others measures taken to protect minors against sexual predators

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 predator Eurasian Eagle Owls are apex predators, and Flaco was a nonnative species that may have had a negative effect on the fragile Central Park ecosystem. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 Kreutzer was inspired to write Gentle Monster after reading an article about the undetected prevalence of predators, working on it in the immediate aftermath of that scandal. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 In the wild, the end is less graceful, as ocean predators eat many. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 The competition has become one of Florida’s signature conservation events, combining public participation with the state’s long-running effort to reduce the impact of an invasive predator that continues to threaten South Florida’s unique ecosystem. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predator
  1. vampire
  2. shark
  3. vulture
  4. wolf
Noun
  • The 1994 classic, an adaptation of Anne Rice‘s 1976 novel, featured Louis (Brad Pitt) telling the story of how he was turned into a vampire by Lestat (Tom Cruise).
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As the villains, Jamie Foxx and Dane DeHaan are trapped in Z-movie outfits and motivations — Foxx’s Max Diillon is a Spidey fan transformed by an eel attack, DeHaan’s Harry Osborn is basically a vampire.
    — Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of vampire
Noun
  • These pristine epicenters of biodiversity are teeming with life, from thriving coral reefs to sharks and seabird colonies.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
  • After sampling was complete, the shark was hauled off the beach and disposed of with the help of heavy equipment supplied by the county, conservancy officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of shark
Noun
  • Pestonit pointed to the sky, where vultures circled on the thermals.
    — Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
  • On a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, a 14-year-old guest named Alice had been hoping to spot an Egyptian vulture, her favorite bird.
    — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of vulture
Noun
  • Deer populations rebounded, this time without natural predators such as wolves to keep them in check.
    — Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The exception is for bears, wolves and cougars, which require even more distance.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of wolf

Browse Nearby Words

predations
predator
predators
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Cite this Entry

“Predator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predator. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on predator

Nglish: Translation of predator for Spanish Speakers

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