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 expedition began finding examples of predatory behavior almost immediately, starting with mystery bones seen on the first dive March 2.
—
Mark Price, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Many large predatory fish, including sharks, avoid extreme low-oxygen zones, while some species — like whale sharks — may be better adapted to tolerate them.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Critics argue that a cap could restrict credit availability to higher-risk consumers, potentially driving them toward less regulated, more predatory lending practices.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The department is currently in charge of federal student loan programs as well as financial aid and protections against predatory lending practices.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 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.
Mark Price, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Many large predatory fish, including sharks, avoid extreme low-oxygen zones, while some species — like whale sharks — may be better adapted to tolerate them.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Critics argue that a cap could restrict credit availability to higher-risk consumers, potentially driving them toward less regulated, more predatory lending practices.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The department is currently in charge of federal student loan programs as well as financial aid and protections against predatory lending practices.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 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 19 Apr. 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