predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē 
1
a
: of, relating to, or practicing plunder, pillage, or rapine
b
: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
predatory pricing practices
2
: living by predation : predaceous
also
: adapted to predation
Examples of predatory in a Sentence
Hawks are predatory and may pose a danger to rabbits and other small pets.
The company made millions for investors but clearly engaged in predatory lending practices.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even if the onus is on parents to protect their kids, abusers frequently conceal their predatory actions from other adults.
—
Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2024
Amy Moore, the director of the agency’s division of cannabis regulation, in a statement appeared to confirm that some of the licenses were stripped due to predatory practices.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
In a video shared this week to her YouTube page for Eat Predators, a movement created by Nikolas to end predatory behavior in the entertainment industry, the former child star reacted to Schneider voicing regret towards his actions as a boss.
—Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2024
The shows are decades behind us, but the hushing effect of power and the quiet acceptance of predatory behavior is still an evergreen in Hollywood, as evidenced by all the folks who’ve released weak-sauce defenses, or maintained total radio silence since the documentary aired this week.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
But migrant workers routinely face predatory employers, inhumane conditions and other abuse.
—John Yoon, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024
The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would take on the anti-competitive and predatory behavior of hospital monopolies that is leading to higher health care costs and affordability issues for my patients.
—Rob Davidson, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024
Ultimately, though, the play is less about the characters than the arc of history and the direct line between the avarice of colonialism and the predatory capitalism of today.
—Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024
Sheetz now comes to the Court asking it to confirm the role of the Takings Clause in securing one’s right to build on property free of predatory conditions by the government.
—Larry Salzman, National Review, 9 Jan. 2024
Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2024
Amy Moore, the director of the agency’s division of cannabis regulation, in a statement appeared to confirm that some of the licenses were stripped due to predatory practices.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
In a video shared this week to her YouTube page for Eat Predators, a movement created by Nikolas to end predatory behavior in the entertainment industry, the former child star reacted to Schneider voicing regret towards his actions as a boss.
—Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2024
The shows are decades behind us, but the hushing effect of power and the quiet acceptance of predatory behavior is still an evergreen in Hollywood, as evidenced by all the folks who’ve released weak-sauce defenses, or maintained total radio silence since the documentary aired this week.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
But migrant workers routinely face predatory employers, inhumane conditions and other abuse.
—John Yoon, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024
The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would take on the anti-competitive and predatory behavior of hospital monopolies that is leading to higher health care costs and affordability issues for my patients.
—Rob Davidson, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024
Ultimately, though, the play is less about the characters than the arc of history and the direct line between the avarice of colonialism and the predatory capitalism of today.
—Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024
Sheetz now comes to the Court asking it to confirm the role of the Takings Clause in securing one’s right to build on property free of predatory conditions by the government.
—Larry Salzman, National Review, 9 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
1
: of, relating to, or marked by robbing or using others for personal gain
predatory raids
2
: living by predation
predatory animals
Legal Definition
predatory
adjective
pred·a·to·ry
ˈpre-də-ˌtōr-ē
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conduct—National Law Journal
National Law Journalpredatory bidding
2
: inclined or intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
predatory loans
3
: of or relating to a sexual predator
predatory assault
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