PREDATORY Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

predatory

adjective

ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of predatory

as in rapacious

living by killing and eating other animals hawks are predatory and pose a danger to rabbits and other pets

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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 predatory The action exposed children to cyberbullying, unwanted contact and predatory behavior, the commission said. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 The action exposed children to cyberbullying, unwanted contact and predatory behavior, commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said. — Sam McNeil, Fortune, 24 July 2026 Researchers found that the larvae of the lake fly Chaoborus edulis can dive some 250 meters below the surface of Lake Malawi to avoid predatory fish. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 23 July 2026 This surface commotion fires up all manner of predatory gamefish. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predatory

Adjective

The twin forces of trade restrictions in the Gulf and the rapacious demands for AI server infrastructure have driven up the prices of memory and storage.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Capitalism’s rapacious use of the planet has run up a tab to be paid by both future generations and the poor currently living in the Global South.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of rapacious

Adjective

The fire department said firefighters quickly went into defensive mode because the flames were so aggressive.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Starting the playoffs in the wild-card round reduces the World Series odds that Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has repeatedly cited as a factor in how aggressive a front office should be at the trade deadline.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

These food-crops also benefit from the work performed by predaceous insects that control populations of crop-eating invertebrates.

— Bruce Beehler, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
Look for and conserve natural enemies such as predaceous bugs, lacewings, lady beetles, and syrphids.

— The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025

Definition of predaceous

Adjective

Given the absence of venom, the researchers propose that these arachnids likely use strong raptorial pedipalps (claw-like appendages).

— Jay Kakade July 13, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
These predators patrol, stalk and swiftly capture their prey with raptorial front legs.

— Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

Definition of raptorial

Adjective

Since then, the military have kept her exact whereabouts and condition secret as a deadly civil war has engulfed much of the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Moscow mayor calls Saturday's deadly bomb attack on restaurant a 'terrorist act.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

To the world, McRae is a strong, fearless entertainer, a triple threat who can pen songs that recall the fizzy pop of the early aughts and bring them to life as a ferocious singer and dancer.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
In 1970, Milton Friedman’s ferocious political essay in the New York Times, and the agency-theorizing that followed provided sufficient intellectual justification.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

Get ready for a day that feels almost as wild as the land itself.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
The prospect cost was likely going to be high if Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and the front office invested in upgrades to a roster currently holding the top National League wild-card position.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of wild

Adjective

Golf star Charley Hull pulled off a savage prank on her caddie, Adam Woodward, earlier in the week, and some people were upset about it.

— Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
The Yellow Death has disfigured the population, and soldiers in white-and-red tunics serve the savage Duke of Tviot.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of savage

Browse Nearby Words

predators

predatory

predecease

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“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predatory. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of predatory

adjective

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