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

Trump has had to slink back to Washington without much to show except empty talk about friendship with whatever dictator has just run circles around him. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Once the performers appear, slinking in from the sides of the stage, the show firmly takes shape and eases smoothly from one episode from the Gospels to the next. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

In the official teaser, Lowen is slinking around the Crawford family house wearing a silk robe while Verity is fast asleep in bed. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026

The district must not let Superintendent Christopher Smith slink off into an early retirement without thoroughly investigating what transpired. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026