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
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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
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Recent Examples of lurking
There are stories of a knife-wielding, bride-killing monster lurking in the woods, which Nicky’s big brother (Jeff Wilbusch’s icy Jules) may or may not have encountered as a child.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
Some of the animal bones lurking inside are completely unexpected, too.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Small, inexpensive drones are becoming something of a nightmare for military planners who can never quite be sure if there's a quadcopter with a camera or an explosive charge lurking nearby.
—David Szondy
march 25, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026
There are signs of tradition lurking elsewhere on the record.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026
Sunderland are lurking and, perhaps for the first time under Howe’s management, Newcastle are in deficit, needing a response (yet again) after a chastening night in Europe.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Wacky weather may still be lurking, but the ice on Indianapolis' concert calendar is starting to thaw.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
Former and current government officials worry about what other risks may be lurking in GCC High and beyond.
—Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
Wall Art Forget big-box art and let an estate sale guide you to your next entryway focal point that’s already lurking on a bedroom wall.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
Some of the animal bones lurking inside are completely unexpected, too.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Small, inexpensive drones are becoming something of a nightmare for military planners who can never quite be sure if there's a quadcopter with a camera or an explosive charge lurking nearby.
—David Szondy
march 25, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026
There are signs of tradition lurking elsewhere on the record.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026
Sunderland are lurking and, perhaps for the first time under Howe’s management, Newcastle are in deficit, needing a response (yet again) after a chastening night in Europe.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Wacky weather may still be lurking, but the ice on Indianapolis' concert calendar is starting to thaw.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
Former and current government officials worry about what other risks may be lurking in GCC High and beyond.
—Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 18 Mar. 2026
Wall Art Forget big-box art and let an estate sale guide you to your next entryway focal point that’s already lurking on a bedroom wall.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
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Late Tuesday morning, in Terminal E, the line extends three stories, including outside the airport terminal where lines are sneaking around the drop-off stations for buses.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
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Friends are sprawled out on the couch, or coming in and out of the room to show off their outfits, or sneaking mimosas into coffee cups.—
Jazmine Hughes,
Allure,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For example, replacing a child’s dropped ice cream cone or lost balloon, hiding small treats where others can find them.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
-
These mushrooms are notorious for hiding just underneath the surface.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Multitracked saxophones swarm over a pit of molten bass frequencies, slipping between sentimental consonance—you might momentarily be reminded of Vangelis’ Blade Runner score—and eerie discord.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
25 Mar. 2026
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While road salt is a key element to preventing cars from slipping and sliding over roads in winter, the mineral can damage cars over time.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Wednesday’s indictment is the second attempt to charge King with lying under oath in this circumstance.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
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At an elevation of 4,500 feet and higher, the area is cool enough to sustain a grassland too temperamental to survive in the lower lying desert valleys.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While road salt is a key element to preventing cars from slipping and sliding over roads in winter, the mineral can damage cars over time.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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The company’s debt load far exceeded its market capitalization, and its credit rating was sliding toward junk.—
Nir Eyal,
Harvard Business Review,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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