preyed (on or upon) 1 of 2

Definition of preyed (on or upon)next

preyed (on or upon)

2 of 2

verb

past tense of prey (on or upon)
as in fed (on, upon, or off)
to seize and eat (something) as prey a fox has been preying on the chickens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preyed (on or upon)
Adjective
  • With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Curtis becomes the focus of an Internal Affairs investigation after shooting one of Buddy’s unarmed students during an attempted arrest.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mackie was unarmed and no weapon was found in his car, prosecutors said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Building and construction unions no longer can use their old rhetorical cudgel in this debate — calling prefab homes flimsy and unsafe.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Falling stalactites are also making some cenotes unsafe to explore.
    Ryan Brennan April 4, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Preyed (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preyed%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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