predate

1 of 2

verb (1)

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

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
Syria has a sectoral opening that predates this war entirely. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Vans brand has struggled for years, predating Darrell’s arrival. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 2 July 2026 This booming rafting industry is the latest phase in a long history of commerce that predates statehood. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 The Traditional Latin Mass is the form of the Catholic liturgy that predates the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

pre-Darwinianism
predate
predation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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