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 of lurk in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web The movie constantly reminds you how scared Venom is of Knull as a way of making its alien villain seem like a threat that has always been lurking out in space. —

Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2024 The mission also confirmed speculations that carbon monoxide ice lurked there as well. —

Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 As Gamache races to decode an unsettling break-in, a cryptic note, and a hit-and-run, a massive threat lurks. —

Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2024 Yet there are hard plastics lurking in the air-vent adjusters and below the infotainment screen, just a foot or two away. —

Michael Taylor, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lurk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurk

Verb

Imagine shutting every door and window, yet an intrusive guest still sneaks into your home.

David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
If 10 hours on stand are too much, sleep in, sneak to your spot at 9 a.m., and hunt out the rest of the day.

Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024