Synonyms of slink

slink

verb

ˈsliŋk 

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner

like a thief slinking about in the middle of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sneak
• lurk
• slip
• slide
• mouse
• steal
• crawl
• skulk
• snake
• shirk
• tiptoe
• creep
• pussyfoot
• mooch
• worm
• edge
• pad
• inch
• ghost

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slink distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slink are lurk, skulk, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

When is lurk a more appropriate choice than slink?

While the synonyms lurk and slink are close in meaning, 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 slink?

In some situations, the words skulk and slink are roughly equivalent. However, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When can sneak be used instead of slink?

The synonyms sneak and slink are sometimes interchangeable, 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

Recent Examples of slink

The most desperate have found ways to slink in on foot. —Kellen Browning, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

One of Burberry’s current faces, Kit Butler, swapped notes with stylist and British Vogue contributing fashion editor Harry Lambert on the best looks from the show, while Ncuti Gatwa slunk inconspicuously through the swelling crowd to get the dancefloor going. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025

As Irvin slinks off into the forest, things at MDR will never be the same. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

It’s been 25 years since American Psycho slunk its way on to movie screens. —Vox Staff, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025