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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Unfortunately, individuals with bad credit are often targeted by predatory lenders who offer loans with excessive interest rates, hidden fees, and terms designed to trap you in a cycle of debt. True Tamplin, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Development of breeds has altered dogs’ typical predatory behavior sequence, which goes like this: orient, eye, stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite. Judith Stella, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024 In sum, Nilly is predatory, possibly unconstitutional, and potentially circumvents state laws and regulations while also having a questionable path to profitability—a truly impressive feat. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Joe Sabin, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, predatory insurance agents descended shortly after the storm, bilking people into signing waivers for small payouts instead of filing claims. Justin McBrien / Made By History, TIME, 9 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 5 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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