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 His muscles grew stronger; his predatory instincts came to the fore. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026 Two local business owners, Yazan Humaideh of Sip City and Charles Osborne of Golden Cleaning Services, joined Budd and Theodros Thursday to share their stories about predatory towing. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 Portions of its skeleton featured pulverizing bite marks and missing chunks that all bore the hallmark signs of another predatory attack. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 In February and March, bald eagles congregate along the Mississippi, where partial winter thaws expose fish to predatory birds waiting near the surface. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for predatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for predatory

Adjective

The twin forces of trade restrictions in the Gulf and the rapacious demands for AI server infrastructure have driven up the prices of memory and storage.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Capitalism’s rapacious use of the planet has run up a tab to be paid by both future generations and the poor currently living in the Global South.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of rapacious

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

Davis was charged with murder with the use of a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Attacks on Wildberries’ warehouses last month killed at least eight people in a single day which, up until Monday’s strike on Nizhnekamsk, was the deadliest Ukrainian attack inside Russia.

— Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

Many EVs can deliver incredible stats—ferocious acceleration is their calling card—but not all deliver a holistic driving experience like the best German sedans of the past 40 or 50 years.

— Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
To the world, McRae is a strong, fearless entertainer, a triple threat who can pen songs that recall the fizzy pop of the early aughts and bring them to life as a ferocious singer and dancer.

— Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

The Padres pulled into a tie with Philadelphia and Arizona for the third NL wild-card spot after winning their fourth straight game and 14th of 18.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals.

— The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of predatory

adjective

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