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
Sweet alyssum entices pollinators and predatory insects with its petite white and purple flowers, and its honey-like aroma is enchanting to human noses, too.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2024
This loophole of our legal system that allows corporations to silence consumers exacerbates the harm consumers suffer from predatory lending and other exploitative business practices.
—Anneliese Lederer, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024
But more time online also comes with risks of being exposed to exploitation and predatory behavior.
—Yasmeen Saadi, The Indianapolis Star, 18 June 2024
Arizona is home to several wasp species with aggressive or predatory behaviors.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for predatory 
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2024
This loophole of our legal system that allows corporations to silence consumers exacerbates the harm consumers suffer from predatory lending and other exploitative business practices.
—Anneliese Lederer, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024
But more time online also comes with risks of being exposed to exploitation and predatory behavior.
—Yasmeen Saadi, The Indianapolis Star, 18 June 2024
Arizona is home to several wasp species with aggressive or predatory behaviors.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for predatory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near predatory
Cite this Entry
“Predatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predatory. Accessed 12 Sep. 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
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