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
The organization also helps connect businesses to local credit unions, a response to the predatory lenders or scams many small businesses, especially Spanish-speaking owners, may encounter.
—
Abigail Denault, The Arizona Republic, 29 Sep. 2024
Edward and Nick are allowed to be by turns predatory and romantic, brutal and endearing; Dave is denied such vivifying freedoms.
—Giles Harvey, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024
In addition to his predatory behavior, the Duke of York’s arrogance and entitlement are catalysts for his disgrace.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Legislation and lawsuits have blamed social media for issues ranging from bullying and suicidal ideation to eating disorders, attention problems, and predatory behavior.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for predatory 
Abigail Denault, The Arizona Republic, 29 Sep. 2024
Edward and Nick are allowed to be by turns predatory and romantic, brutal and endearing; Dave is denied such vivifying freedoms.
—Giles Harvey, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024
In addition to his predatory behavior, the Duke of York’s arrogance and entitlement are catalysts for his disgrace.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Legislation and lawsuits have blamed social media for issues ranging from bullying and suicidal ideation to eating disorders, attention problems, and predatory behavior.
—Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for predatory
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 5 Oct. 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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