RAPTORIAL Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

raptorial

adjective

rap-ˈtȯr-ē-əl

Definition of raptorial

as in predatory

living by killing and eating other animals the place of raptorial birds in the park's ecosystem

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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 raptorial 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 In essence, the shrimp stores elastic energy inside the specialized raptorial limb, and a latch holds the limb in place while the muscles continue loading tension. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 The front pair of legs is raptorial, meaning they are used for catching and grasping prey. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026 Villegas pushed for the original measure after dangerous speeding and red-light running by raptorial tow drivers ended in a nearly catastrophic crash in his ward that saw a bus that had been hit by a tow truck plow through a storefront. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Like its adult counterparts, the little arthropod had a spiny raptorial appendage used for grasping prey and the radiodontan’s characteristic circular mouth filled with sharp teeth. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 11 June 2018 Detailed testimonies of refugees along the Balkan route therefore challenge the conventional wisdom that officials tend to protect them from raptorial smugglers. — Max Abrahms, Foreign Affairs, 22 Mar. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for raptorial

predatory

Adjective

To legitimize its role as something more than predatory domination, Washington launched the Arab-Israeli peace process in hopes of integrating its Arab allies and Israel into a common security framework.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Opponents of gender recognition reform argued that self-identification would allow predatory men to access women-only spaces and harm women.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of predatory

Browse Nearby Words

raptness

raptorial

rapture

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

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Synonyms of raptorial

adjective

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