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, as usual, treasures lurking in the gathering of films being offered at this year’s Doc10 documentary film festival.
—
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
There’s often a wise teacher lurking in the past — in this case a teacher who advises the future actor on his name.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Here’s what to know about the Lululemon probe, forever chemicals, and what PFAS lurking in your clothing could mean for your health.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Naturally, the issues were patched after discovery, but the complexity of modem code virtually guarantees there are more vulnerabilities lurking inside, ready to be exploited by a bad actor.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026
Scottie Scheffler was lurking, too, moving back into the fold with a 7-under 65.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Orange County commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents the west Orange County district where the Skywalker Smoke & Vape Shop and nearby Olympia High School are close neighbors, cited the business as an example of a danger lurking conspicuously in plain sight.
—Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
As most of the women note, Simon’s presence lingers through the echoing halls of Porsha’s new palace — both literally and metaphorically, thanks to some great editing of his shadow lurking in the background — a feeling worsened by Porsha parading a new man on her arm.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
But there's also a series of major drawbacks lurking within the impossibly cute little e-RV.
—New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026
Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
There’s often a wise teacher lurking in the past — in this case a teacher who advises the future actor on his name.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Here’s what to know about the Lululemon probe, forever chemicals, and what PFAS lurking in your clothing could mean for your health.
—Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Naturally, the issues were patched after discovery, but the complexity of modem code virtually guarantees there are more vulnerabilities lurking inside, ready to be exploited by a bad actor.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 Apr. 2026
Scottie Scheffler was lurking, too, moving back into the fold with a 7-under 65.
—Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Orange County commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents the west Orange County district where the Skywalker Smoke & Vape Shop and nearby Olympia High School are close neighbors, cited the business as an example of a danger lurking conspicuously in plain sight.
—Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
As most of the women note, Simon’s presence lingers through the echoing halls of Porsha’s new palace — both literally and metaphorically, thanks to some great editing of his shadow lurking in the background — a feeling worsened by Porsha parading a new man on her arm.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
But there's also a series of major drawbacks lurking within the impossibly cute little e-RV.
—New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
-
Iron Maiden, finally sneaking Eddie past the Hall’s metal block.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Similar to Chen, Bill Gates learned to code at about age 13, sneaking into his school’s computer lab at night to practice.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His son, Mojtaba, has been appointed to lead the country but remains in hiding.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Another click of the 7 o’clock pusher resets everything, hiding the rose-gold hands again.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Before slipping into silence in the mid-’90s, Souled American had morphed from rootsy alt-country band to adding ambient shades and slowcore to their music.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
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Where to Stay In Militello, staying overnight is about slipping into the fabric of the town.—
Erica Firpo,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Brynn shot herself in the mouth while lying next to Phil as officers entered their home.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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At least six other Department of Aviation workers were investigated for spending hours idling on the job, demonstrating incompetence, stealing city property, and lying during the investigation.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Picture waking up on a sunny morning, sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors open, and stepping out onto a balcony to catch the sea breeze.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The living room is bright and airy with warm woods, vaulted ceilings, and sliding glass doors that let in ample light and lead out to a stone patio.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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