Synonyms of lurk

lurk

verb

ˈlərk 

1

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

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

2

as in to hide

to remain out of sight

watch out for snakes lurking in the tall grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hide
• lie
• skulk
• lie low
• sit tight
• repose
• sneak
• hole up
• slink
• evade
• elude
• avoid

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appear
• come out
• show up
• turn up
• materialize

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

Recent Examples of lurk

Popular wisdom online and off encourages us to be on guard, that bad actors and scammers lurk around every corner, waiting to take advantage of the naive. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 May 2025

But like the sharks that circle that island in the Bay, the real danger of the idea lurks beneath the surface. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025

But behind these recent debates lurked a massive shift in the politics and public norms that had allowed the industry to survive. —Zainab Usman, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025

Discovering your purpose doesn’t have to be complicated or grand, especially with the right guidance to help you to find what’s already lurking inside of you. —Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025