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 Opponents of gender recognition reform argued that self-identification would allow predatory men to access women-only spaces and harm women. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 It’s known for its remoteness, with rugged islands, incredible marine life, and, yes, its legendary Komodo dragons—the planet’s largest predatory lizards that are often compared to dinosaurs. — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026 Seepersad added that another key purpose behind the new resource is to protect students against predatory entities. — Kat Ramkumar, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 His argument, however, is being met by mounting concerns over the organization of the upcoming elections and the country’s entrenched and predatory political culture. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predatory

Adjective

Meta hit back hard in its own opening statements Tuesday afternoon, saying many of the memos and reports the states used to paint them as rapacious were actually evidence of the company’s efforts to protect its youngest users.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
There will be the option to absorb some of the price rise triggered by the rapacious demands of AI servers for memory and storage.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of rapacious

Adjective

Raman said the city has lost tens of thousands of film jobs under Bass and said Los Angeles needs a more aggressive film tax credit to compete with other states.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
Philadelphia came out aggressive in the second half, took control of the game, and tied it in the 58th minute on a close-range header from Neil Pierre on a cross from Milan Iloski after a free kick.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 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

Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.

— Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12, the All Blacks' resolve hardened by new coach Dave Rennie and age-old ability to produce something from nothing turned a tense contest into a rout by five tries to South Africa's one.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
One track consists of her ferocious, transfixing, concept works, which plunge the gathered into the heart and soul of extreme historical and cultural experiences.

— Matt Thompson, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

While that's wild in itself, the odds are high the resulting damage to infrastructure will lead to a discharge of raw sewage into the water.

— John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026
As the five members – Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya – entered the stage, the crowd went wild.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of wild

Adjective

The savage battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa had already demonstrated the ferocity with which Japanese forces would defend their homeland.

— James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
The lifestyle mogul made a savage comment about Meghan Markle in a cover story for PEOPLE on Wednesday, calling out her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of predatory

adjective

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