prey

noun

ˈprā How to pronounce prey (audio)
Definition of preynext
1
as in quarry
an animal that is hunted or killed rabbits are common prey for owls and hawks

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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

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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

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for prey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prey
  1. quarry
  2. victim
  3. target
  4. casualty
Noun
  • In an industrial zone in Arteixo, at the furthest northwestern tip of Spain, amid granite quarries and aluminum merchants, Inditex, the company that owns Zara, has built a city of glass.
    — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In July, a 17-year-old died while swimming in a Milford quarry.
    — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of quarry
Noun
  • During the investigation, police were alerted to two shooting victims who had walked into area hospitals, including Chance.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Mines Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou expressed condolences to victims’ families and warned miners about the dangers of unsafe mining practices, according to a statement posted by the ministry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • Armstrong gives the Chiefs a tall target among a shorter group, and his potential as a red zone blocker should only help his case to make the 53-man roster.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The two sides have escalated their air war on one another, with Ukraine increasingly firing barrages of drones at targets deep inside Russia, including warehouses and industrial plants as well as refineries.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • Both fell into the water and caused no damage or casualties, the UAE said on Wednesday.
    — Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • All strategic objectives in Iran are failing, while half-hearted support for Ukraine has resulted in a devastating surge in civilian casualties.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of casualty

Phrases Containing prey

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previsions
prey
preyed (on or upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prey. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prey

Nglish: Translation of prey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prey

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