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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prey
For example, if subjected to high humidity, potato plants may fall prey to fungal diseases that will weaken them and slow growth.
—
David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 1 June 2026
Putin’s hope of capturing Kyiv quickly was shattered by staunch Ukrainian resistance, and convoys of Russian tanks stretching along narrow roads became easy prey.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Diehard hunters since childhood, brothers Chris and Josh Neville grew up hunting in Iowa and eventually migrated westward for bigger wilderness and bigger prey.
—C.c. Weiss
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Korcsmaros believes the shark misidentified her as prey.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prey
David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 1 June 2026
Putin’s hope of capturing Kyiv quickly was shattered by staunch Ukrainian resistance, and convoys of Russian tanks stretching along narrow roads became easy prey.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Diehard hunters since childhood, brothers Chris and Josh Neville grew up hunting in Iowa and eventually migrated westward for bigger wilderness and bigger prey.
—C.c. Weiss
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Korcsmaros believes the shark misidentified her as prey.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prey
Noun
-
There are strict rules in California around the purchasing of dynamite, which is generally restricted to licensed professionals working in mining and quarry operations, building demolitions, tunneling projects and specialized industrial activities.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Purchasing dynamite in California is usually restricted to licensed professionals working in industries that may require its use, such as mining, building demolitions and quarry operations, according to the Los Angeles Times.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Newsom’s office said Thursday that the state is providing assistance to victims, family members and witnesses of the mosque shooting.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The bodies of two people were found earlier this week, before crews recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28, Longview fire chief Brad Hannig said in a press conference later that day.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
McBride finished the regular season on a heater in the form of an 18-271-0 line on 29 targets over the last three games.—
Juan Carlos Blanco,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
Ukrainian drones now pummel industrial targets across Russia nightly, shutting down oil refineries, snarling logistics, and forcing airports to close for days at a time.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
No damage or casualties were reported.—
Kyla Guilfoil,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Russian casualties also have soared to more than 30,000 a month, draining the Kremlin’s financial resources even more as bigger incentives must be offered to recruit enough replacements and pay out death benefits.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prey. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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