predatory

adjective

pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
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
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.
Now, however, in the aftermath of his death, Hezbollah may have to manage for a time with less Iranian funding, which could cause the organization to adopt a more predatory approach to the Lebanese state and its resources. Mohanad Hage Ali, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024 Similarly, artists must protect themselves from predatory actors who see strivers as marks. Charlie Kaplan, Variety, 10 Oct. 2024 Without any clear way to prove ownership, those who inherit heirs’ property may lose it to predatory investors or the government. Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 One of the antics includes their attempt to get a payday loan as Katt Williams haunts them from the window, telling them of the dangers of predatory loans. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for predatory 

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of predatory was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near predatory

Cite this Entry

“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

predatory

adjective
pred·​a·​to·​ry ˈpred-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce predatory (audio)
-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 How to pronounce predatory (audio)
1
: inclined or intended to injure competitors by unfair means
subject to antitrust liability for predatory conductNational Law Journal
predatory 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

More from Merriam-Webster on predatory

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