Synonyms of prey

prey

noun

ˈprā 

1

as in quarry

an animal that is hunted or killed

rabbits are common prey for owls and hawks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• quarry
• creature
• chase
• target
• victim
• beast
• game
• kill
• critter
• brute

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• predator
• hunter
• killer
• murderer
• carnivore
• pursuer
• chaser

2

as in victim

a person or thing harmed, lost, or destroyed

he fell prey to nagging—but groundless—doubts about his wife's fidelity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• victim
• casualty
• fatality
• loss
• sacrifice
• loser
• underdog
• martyr
• collateral damage
• murderee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• winner
• victor
• gainer
• killer
• murderer
• assassin
• injurer
• harmer

3

as in target

a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule

that woman has a sharp tongue, and her favored prey is her long-suffering husband

Synonyms & Similar Words

• target
• victim
• butt
• sitting duck
• mark
• mockery
• goat
• scapegoat
• laughingstock
• lightning rod
• pilgarlic
• fall guy
• whipping boy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gossip
• troublemaker
• tattler
• tormentor
• gossiper
• tattletale
• talebearer
• defamer
• traducer
• torturer
• tease
• libeler
• teaser
• taunter
• baiter
• needler
• mocker
• heckler
• scorner
• insulter
• scoffer
• ribber
• satirist
• libelist
• caricaturist
• parodist
• lampooner
• derider
• ridiculer

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prey

The morbidly curious Sperm Whale and Giant Squid Diorama is a startling depiction of one of nature’s most mysterious predator-prey relationships. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026

Humpback whales create bubble clouds to corral their prey and then lunge through the center to swallow the small fish. — Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

African lions are considered vulnerable, zoo officials said, adding that their population has decreased by 50% over the last 25 years because of habitat loss, loss of prey and conflicts between humans and lions. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Spiders often come inside in late summer in pursuit of prey, or because summer heat has opened cracks in homes’ foundations. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing prey

• prey (on or upon)