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
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 
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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 24 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share