prey

noun

ˈprā How to pronounce prey (audio)
Definition of preynext
1
as in quarry
an animal that is hunted or killed rabbits are common prey for owls and hawks

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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

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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

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Example 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 It’s known for striking and then holding on until its prey dies. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 Can consumers participate online without falling prey to scammers? — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026 The Project’s ranks now include about 80 fishermen manning 15 boats who also support the tagging and research of their erstwhile prey (their work has led to the recent world-first tagging of 10 tiger sharks in Indonesian waters). — Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 Threats facing the species include habitat loss, declining prey populations and human-wildlife conflict. — CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prey
  1. quarry
  2. victim
  3. target
  4. casualty
Noun
  • Supporting this theory, the population of Lauriacum increased threefold over the next fifty years, with the deserted settlement now being used as a quarry.
    — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Its light also allowed the hunters to pursue their quarry long into the night, per the Old Farmer's Almanac.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of quarry
Noun
  • The victim reported that four teenagers stole their necklace and fled the scene, according to police.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The drama turns on a young woman, victim of spike drinking at a lavish New Year’s Eve party in a remote manor.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of victim
Noun
  • Depending on the system and target, the heat can damage sensors, electronics, structural components or other critical parts.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Western military officers have said key military installations in Kaliningrad would be a likely first target should Russia ever launch an attack on any NATO ally.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of target
Noun
  • And for those who might further ask, If this is a war, who are the American casualties?
    — Daniel Peña, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Security authorities in Aden said the Houthis targeted the airport with two missiles, with no casualties.
    — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of casualty

Phrases Containing prey

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previsions
prey
preyed (on or upon)
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Cite this Entry

“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prey. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prey

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