insectivore

noun

Definition of insectivorenext
as in carnivore

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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 insectivore The lemurs and tenrecs of Madagascar, for example, are descended from primates and insectivores that used to be much more widespread. — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 More on Groundhogs Moles Moles are insectivores, tunneling to find food. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025 The sparrowhawk is an aggressive bird of prey, adept at hunting and fighting, while the cuckoo’s nest targets are smaller birds and mostly insectivores. — Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insectivore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insectivore
  1. carnivore
  2. animal
  3. omnivore
  4. creature
  5. critter
  6. beastie
  7. varmint
  8. vermin
Noun
  • There is always a vegetarian option, but this really is a place for ardent carnivores, who are encouraged each evening to watch as Patagonian lambs (or other regional produce) are cooked over an open fire in a smoky room by the kitchen.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Glyphosate and phthalates Although cats are carnivores, many manufacturers add produce to cat food for its antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of carnivore
Noun
  • That contact was evident during the AP’s trip aboard the F/V Progress, when Tanner crabs and basket stars — animals that live on the seafloor — came up in the net.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rich brown leather is a great way to break up a cool denim-on-denim look, while a pop of animal print goes perfectly with a pair of brown denim shorts.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • The speckled omnivores can weigh upwards of 10 pounds, largely thanks to a diet that regularly includes eggs, small animals, fruits, and vegetables.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 June 2026
  • North American river otters are omnivores, feeding on fish, turtles, crabs, mollusks, birds, oysters, shellfish, crayfish, frogs, rodents and insects.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Definition of omnivore
Noun
  • Meanwhile, second-unit director Peter Ramsey worked alongside stunt performers, with some creature interactions achieved through surprisingly simple physical stand-ins.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Duffield also watched video of an autopsy of a large squid to figure out how to approach his lead character’s encounter with a similar creature in the early stages of his nightmare.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • All are adorned with jewels and tails made of real horsehair, many of which have been eaten by squirrels or other critters.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Fall is here, which means that outdoor critters will inevitably try to find their way into our homes.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of critter
Noun
  • Greg and Denise are having some marital issues, but everybody needs to put other concerns aside to stay alive with nasty raptors and other hungry beasties around.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • And when that happens, astronomers will set about studying these new beasties with other eyes on the sky to learn more about them and hopefully understand them.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Definition of beastie
Noun
  • With the right rifle, a 25 Creedmoor shooter has the ultimate combo rig for deer, varmints, and long-range target shooting.
    — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
  • No air-conditioning, no insulation, its charm blunted by DIY additions, discount drywall, generations of putty and steel wool stuffed into varmint tunnels.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Definition of varmint
Noun
  • Jurors heard testimony from three of Alsheikh’s victims who said they were packed into small, filthy, cold, wet cells that were infested with insects and other vermin.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But several involved vermin, which can be stubborn squatters to remove.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of vermin

Browse Nearby Words

insecticides
insectivore
insectivores
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Cite this Entry

“Insectivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insectivore. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insectivore

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insectivore

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