LURK Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lurk' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of lurk are skulk , slink , and sneak . While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent. // suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Q: When might 'skulk' be a better fit than 'lurk'?

Although the words skulk and lurk have much in common, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent. // something skulking in the shadows

Q: When is 'slink' a more appropriate choice than 'lurk'?

The words slink and lurk can be used in similar contexts, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention. // slunk around the corner

Q: Where would 'sneak' be a reasonable alternative to 'lurk'?

While the synonyms sneak and lurk are close in meaning, sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods. // sneaked out early

lurk

verb

ˈlərk

Definition of lurk next

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner we caught a glimpse of someone lurking around the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to hide

to remain out of sight watch out for snakes lurking in the tall grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lurk distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of lurk are skulk, slink, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

When might skulk be a better fit than lurk?

Although the words skulk and lurk have much in common, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When is slink a more appropriate choice than lurk?

The words slink and lurk can be used in similar contexts, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

Where would sneak be a reasonable alternative to lurk?

While the synonyms sneak and lurk are close in meaning, sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

Examples 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 lurk There's a reason dust always seems to be lurking in your living room. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024 But lurking beneath the algebra were deep methodological and ideological differences. —

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 The crowd that cheered Trump’s un-American vision of America showed that this cruel turn toward a desire to crush civil rights is here to stay, whether as rule of law or lurking just beneath the surface. —

Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 Then blitz a weakside linebacker who is lurking in the shadows. —

Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lurk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurk

Verb

While his family makes dinner and festive snacks, the young boy sneaks food and brings a dish to his neighbor's doorstep.

Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2024
Devin Williams received back-to-back sentences of 25 years to life in prison for the fatal shootings of Maria and Benison Tran, who were shot at near point-blank range after Williams snuck into their Dublin home and confronted them in a fit of jealous rage.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024