predate

1 of 2

verb (1)

pre·​date (ˌ)prē-ˈdāt How to pronounce predate (audio)
predated; predating; predates
Synonyms of predate

transitive verb

: antedate

predate

2 of 2

verb (2)

pre·​date pri-ˈdāt How to pronounce predate (audio)
predated; predating; predates

transitive + intransitive

: to prey on (something or someone)
Animals predate other animals in nature, but that is hardly commensurate with a massive worldwide farming industry that breeds species purely for our purpose.—Jenny Diski
Are high-profile men that sexually predate women finally starting to lose immunity?—Alex McKinnon
All cats may predate but those living indoors have little opportunity to do so.—Kevin Stafford
There are many species that predate on pigeons and doves.—Revati

Synonyms of predate

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Verb (1)

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Examples of predate in a Sentence

Verb (1) modes of transportation that predate the car the native people who predated European settlers in America
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The majority of The Same Place was recorded between 2010 and 2012, predating Doss’ passing; finishing touches were added by other OTC members and collaborators in the wake of Hart’s death. — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026 Tafoya’s conservative politics, however, predated her departure from television. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 Investigators’ preliminary findings indicated that a fracture in the rail appeared to predate the derailment. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Ventura said disagreements over who stands to benefit from an extra hour of daylight long predate her tenure in the Senate. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predate

Word History

Etymology

Verb (2)

back-formation from predator or predatory

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1854, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of predate was in 1854

Rhymes for predate

See All Rhymes for predate

Browse Nearby Words

pre-Darwinianism
predate
predation
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Cite this Entry

“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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