as in skunk
someone who acts in a sly and secret manner suddenly, the mysterious lurker leapt out into the light!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 lurker Drones are not just being employed by lurkers and paparazzi to spy on stars. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025 And how about the titular lurker, Théodore Pellerin? Ellise Shafer, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025 Despite the tumultuous past in its cosmic residence, the blue lurker looks like any other sun-like star in telescope snapshots of M67. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025 However, Gahan adds that as more social media users become creators not lurkers, competition for eyeballs could become more fierce. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 27 June 2024 TikTok’s duet and stitch features, which allow users to easily react and respond to other videos, can encourage lurkers to become content creators. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 27 June 2024 For the first two decades of the social internet, lurkers ruled. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 27 June 2024 But one small problem with that stat is that most of that growth is coming from lurkers, or users who are not logged into Reddit. Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 May 2024 Some members are lurkers who joined to keep abreast of the conversation. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurker
Noun
  • Cornell University’s Department of Public & Ecosystem Health expert Jenny Bloodgood told NBC News that she’s seen a fox, a skunk, a possum and a bobcat test positive for the virus in New York State, indicating the bug could be mutating.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Medium-sized animals like skunks, bobcats and foxes also did not vanish.
    Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Some were as big as rhinos, while others resembled small weasels.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Since graduation, Chen has racked up assignments in Mozart, Beethoven, Donizetti, Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini with opera companies and symphony orchestras across the United States and in Europe, often as the motormouth buffoons and weasels of classic comedies.
    airmail.news, airmail.news, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Per Swifties, the snake was actually an ouroboros, a.k.a.
    Rachel Simon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Her gold hoop earrings from Nouvel Heritage cost $6,000, and her snake lariat necklace by Jacquie Aiche, which features a marquise ruby and pave diamonds across the head, cost a little over $16,000.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Underwood gave a sneak peak into her judging style during an episode of SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour in August 2024.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In a controversial call during the AFC Championship game, officials ruled quarterback Josh Allen short after a fourth-and-one sneak, which led to a game-winning touchdown by the Chiefs.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Brunson wowed in a colorful, matching crop top and skirt, while Anik looked effortlessly cool in a Gucci jacket, black denim and white sneakers.
    Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Pair this with a skirt, jeans, white pants, or a cute pair of shorts, and your go-to sandals or sneakers for a look that’s put together but also comfortable.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lurker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurker. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!