1
2
as in victim
a person or thing harmed, lost, or destroyed
he fell prey to nagging—but groundless—doubts about his wife's fidelity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in target
a person or thing that is the object of abuse, criticism, or ridicule
that woman has a sharp tongue, and her favored prey is her long-suffering husband
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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 prey
That suggests these cranial structures were likely used for feeling out their deep, dark environment rather than capturing prey.
—
Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, the variability based on diet suggests the bears are picking up most of the pathogens from their prey, which consists of seals, walruses and whales.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
Three of the six cases were known indoor/outdoor cats that hunted mice and/or small birds as prey and also spent time indoors with their owners.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
These predators - who are also prey to many animals, including sharks - are equipped with venomous barbs on their tails, used defensively against potential threats.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prey 
Christie Wilcox, science.org, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, the variability based on diet suggests the bears are picking up most of the pathogens from their prey, which consists of seals, walruses and whales.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
Three of the six cases were known indoor/outdoor cats that hunted mice and/or small birds as prey and also spent time indoors with their owners.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
These predators - who are also prey to many animals, including sharks - are equipped with venomous barbs on their tails, used defensively against potential threats.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prey
Noun
-
It was purchased in 1890 by brothers John and Alexander Laurie to tow vessels and barges, or scows filled with stone from nearby quarries, in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay.Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 21 Sep. 2024
-
With that decision came risk, and that risk was illustrated on day 1, shooting in a quarry where a phalanx of paparazzi was perched up above on a hillside.Nick Romano, EW.com, 24 July 2024
Noun
-
The move drew immediate condemnation from the abuse victims and their attorneys, whose lawsuits were effectively paused while a bankruptcy judge reviewed the church’s finances and assets.Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
-
When asked if the injuries appeared to have come from the victim’s own hunting party or another hunter, Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting responded that more information would be released after the weekend.Matt Henson, Twin Cities, 9 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The filing also details various financial agreements, including an amendment to the Perceptive Credit Agreement, which adjusts revenue targets and introduces a maximum operating expense covenant.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Heading into Tuesday’s presidential vote, the Fed would have been justified in celebrating the return of inflation back to its 2% target.Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
There was no immediate report of casualties or details on what was hit.Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
-
The conditions of those wounded remain unclear and there were no reported casualties among the guardsmen involved.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near prey
Cite this Entry
“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prey. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share