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

In Alaska, salmon are one of the main prey sources for belugas—and the fish need cold water to develop their eggs, keep their metabolism stable and prevent energy depletion during long migratory journeys. — Ryan Green, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026

But even the slower, more deliberate decision-making can fall prey to any number of cognitive biases. — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026

Experts warn against feeding coyotes in residential neighborhoods, yards or parks because the animals can lose their fear of people and eventually test humans and pets as potential prey, according to the Urban Coyote Project. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

While oil refineries and warehouses are easy prey, data centers are even softer targets — massive buildings packed with servers and supporting power and cooling infrastructure. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing prey

• prey (on or upon)