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

Instead, Gagliardi recommends running a quick wash cycle and adding a product like Clorox® Laundry Sanitizer, which can squash the odor-causing bacteria lurking in your damp laundry. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026

After the revolutionary group the French 75 goes into hiding, Mae West dons a black Edna Mode–style bob to lurk around a grocery store. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026

Fed rate cuts can lead to a weaker dollar, but lurking in the background are concerns about the central bank losing its independence from political agendas. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026

The handsome pair of actors play sniper specialists from enemy countries who must each take a long shift on opposite sides of a massive trench where some unnatural monsters apparently lurk below. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025