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
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
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Oklahoma City preys on indecision — a harsher word for selectiveness.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Here, the animals have abundant prey, rugged and remote landscapes to live on, low human population density, and a culture of deep respect for wildlife among local communities.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 May 2025
Often, people who fall prey to scams don’t want to admit they could have been fooled — but that shame can in turn keep others in the dark.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prey
Noun
The challenge for the Leafs will be finding a way to turn the other cheek and not fall prey to one of the Panthers’ biggest strengths.
—Chris Johnston, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Oklahoma City preys on indecision — a harsher word for selectiveness.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Here, the animals have abundant prey, rugged and remote landscapes to live on, low human population density, and a culture of deep respect for wildlife among local communities.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 May 2025
Often, people who fall prey to scams don’t want to admit they could have been fooled — but that shame can in turn keep others in the dark.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prey
Noun
-
Ostia Antica is often compared to Pompeii and only a third of the city, which was used as a marble quarry during the construction of palaces and Catholic churches in the building of Rome, has been excavated.—
Barbie Latza Nadeau and Lianne Kolirin,
CNN,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Right now, the quarry uses trucks to move materials.—
Steve Osunsami,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The victim, who suffered a laceration to the head, was transported by EMS to Lincoln Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
-
First responders transported 11 victims to local hospitals while others reportedly arrived via personal vehicles.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
But from the beginning, Chiuri was the target of critics who skimmed over the political messages of her shows and dismissed her efforts to create wearable wardrobe options for women as bland commercialism.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
29 May 2025
-
Orlando Sentinel Maxwell: Will Florida’s new U.S. attorney target corruption?—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The very functions that could inform smarter, more efficient resource allocation become the first casualties.—
Nick Hart,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
These attacks typically involve drivers intentionally plowing into crowds, often during festivals, parades, or protests, causing chaos and mass casualties.—
Jenna Sundel
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prey. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share