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lurking

verb

present participle of lurk
1
as in sneaking
to move about in a sly or secret manner we caught a glimpse of someone lurking around the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in hiding
to remain out of sight watch out for snakes lurking in the tall grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lurking Surging Treasury yields have rattled Wall Street, but there may also be an opportunity lurking for income investors to turn a profit. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 For more than a century, astronomers have been captivated by the idea that an undiscovered planet could be lurking in the furthest reaches of our solar system. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026 Kostoulas is lurking in the right-hand side of the box, 15 yards out with his back to goal, as team-mate Pascal Gross wins a header (see image below). — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 While society pushes forward, there’s no promise that an even deadlier virus isn’t already lurking out of sight. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026 But the newest additions are lurking about, waiting to make their big debut. — Bo Evans, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Behind a thick column, lurking in the shadows, a kind looking man with an Irish brogue quietly summoned me. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 However, the Broncos’ next opponent is lurking right behind them. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026 Sanchez, lurking at Chicago goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s back post, capitalized on a cross and knocked a ball that was pinging around the box into the back of the net in the 11th minute. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
  1. sneaking
  2. hiding
  3. slipping
  4. lying
  5. sliding
Verb
  • The new quarterback Mensah with a short completion that Toney turns into a 48-yard play, bouncing up from the tackle and sneaking in a quick little Heisman pose for good measure.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than trade Ohtani for Caminero, who has blossomed into a two-time All-Star at 23, the team added at the deadline in hopes of sneaking into the wild-card race.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of sneaking
Verb
  • Who would’ve thought, for example, that Wallace was constantly hiding behind the lens of his trusty camera as a way to numb himself to the horrors of the world?
    — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The horror heads are hyped, but this scaredy-cat will be hiding in the corner.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of hiding
Verb
  • However, Maguire decides to shoot instead of slipping the ball through to Mbeumo.
    — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The open center gives hand towels or bath sheets somewhere to loop through, rather than inevitably slipping onto the floor, and the handmade stoneware can hold up to 10 pounds.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of slipping
Verb
  • Even more horrifying than death was the thought of lying there, trapped beneath the rubble, listening to my two-year-old son desperately crying for help.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Failure to cooperate or lying can lead to criminal charges, including contempt, perjury, obstruction and related offenses that threaten incarceration.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of lying
Verb
  • Giants safety Jevon Holland made a sliding grab near the Cowboys sideline.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Becoming a YouTuber had seemed like a way for Chism to stop sliding toward destitution.
    — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of sliding

Browse Nearby Words

lurkers
lurking
lurks
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Cite this Entry

“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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