SKULK Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of skulk are lurk , slink , and sneak . While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent. // something skulking in the shadows

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lurk' instead of 'skulk'?

While in some cases nearly identical to skulk , lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent. // suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Q: Where would 'slink' be a reasonable alternative to 'skulk'?

The synonyms slink and skulk are sometimes interchangeable, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention. // slunk around the corner

Q: In what contexts can 'sneak' take the place of 'skulk'?

The words sneak and skulk can be used in similar contexts, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods. // sneaked out early

skulk 1 of 2

verb

ˈskəlk

Definition of skulk next

as in to lurk

to move about in a sly or secret manner I thought I saw someone skulking about in the shadows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to hide

to remain out of sight the animal control officers caught the stray cat that had been skulking behind some trash cans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

skulk

2 of 2

noun

as in weasel

someone who acts in a sly and secret manner were surprised to discover the skulk stealing from the garden was a raccoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word skulk distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of skulk are lurk, slink, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When is it sensible to use lurk instead of skulk?

While in some cases nearly identical to skulk, lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Where would slink be a reasonable alternative to skulk?

The synonyms slink and skulk are sometimes interchangeable, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

In what contexts can sneak take the place of skulk?

The words sneak and skulk can be used in similar contexts, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

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 skulk

Verb

Her initial attempts to divest herself of Sunny entwine with her desire to learn just who her husband was; there will be skulking and unpleasant if incomplete discoveries. —

Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024 Except that those kids didn’t skulk around on AlphaBay. —

Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024 Nevertheless, Laura’s main occupation is sulking and skulking in shadows, being mad, and throwing vegetables. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024 As a bored kid in Leningrad in the 1960s and 1970s, Putin skulked at the back of classrooms but was energized in his free time by his pursuit of judo. —

Fiona Hill, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2013 See all Example Sentences for skulk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulk

Verb

New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of the city that never sleeps are 3 million resilient rats that have cemented their place as native New Yorkers.

— Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025
As her body weakens, an alien Sentinel lurks outside their home, drawing nearer and nearer as Greta takes her final breaths.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025