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 interest rate on debt covered by the SCRA is capped at 6%, while the rate on interest and fees under the MLA is capped at 36% in order to protect service members from predatory lending practices.
—
Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 May 2025
On one hand, insects higher in the food chain – predatory insects – showed a greater tolerance to elevated temperatures but, on the other hand, they were harmed by simplified landscapes that are devoid of natural vegetation – agricultural fields.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
By doing so, small businesses, independent brands, and freelancers can avoid wasting their money and reputation by falling into predatory influencer scams.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The extent of that predatory behavior became starkly evident when Ventura described how Combs allegedly raped her in the living room of her LA apartment in 2018.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for predatory
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.
Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 May 2025
On one hand, insects higher in the food chain – predatory insects – showed a greater tolerance to elevated temperatures but, on the other hand, they were harmed by simplified landscapes that are devoid of natural vegetation – agricultural fields.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
By doing so, small businesses, independent brands, and freelancers can avoid wasting their money and reputation by falling into predatory influencer scams.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
The extent of that predatory behavior became starkly evident when Ventura described how Combs allegedly raped her in the living room of her LA apartment in 2018.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share