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

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 lurk Her mother, on the other hand, continues to be a volatile presence lurking on the outskirts of her life. —

Emma Alpern, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Anunoby battles with larger forwards, sometimes chasing them around screens, sometimes lurking in the corner, an essential role inside a Tom Thibodeau defense, which places a heavy burden on defenders in that area to help into the lane on drivers, then race back to spot-up shooters. —

Fred Katz, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 The downy also can peck at galls or protrusions on goldenrod plants where insect eggs are lurking. —

Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 As this seduction of sorts happens, Hannah lurks in the background worried her child will end up disappointed, while also growing increasingly worried about Jim’s ever-encroaching mortality. —

Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lurk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurk

Verb

The couple sneaked away for a double date dinner with Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs teammate, Patrick Mahomes, and his wife, Brittany, at the French restaurant Lilette in New Orleans Friday.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
This one stinks to high heaven for sneaking anger, self-pity, and jealousy under the guise of being a pseudo-compliment.

— John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025