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
Funk says heavy pruning of roses should also be avoided as cutting too early can encourage new growth to sprout at a time when damaging frosts could still be lurking in the forecast.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
While sunbathing at the property, Kate didn’t know that about a mile away, a paparazzo was lurking in the shadows, capturing the private moment with a long-range lens camera.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Pilots can see bad weather lurking in the distance hours before takeoff, glowing like a wraith on their digital maps.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
And, of course, his brothers are always lurking.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
During an epic research project spanning ten years, archaeologists first took to the skies in 2016 to investigate what might be lurking beneath the woods.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
For the survivors in Jerash, the site would serve as a reminder of the danger of unchecked microbes, lurking in the ecosystem.
—Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 28 Feb. 2026
Daniel said that there are numerous places where grime may be lurking, including the fridge vent, the fridge and stove hood filters.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Neemias Queta made all three of his field goals in the opening quarter, including a nice turnaround hook shot over Jokic and a last-second alley-oop from Pritchard, whose penchant for buzzer-beaters likely drew Denver’s attention away from the lurking big man.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026
While sunbathing at the property, Kate didn’t know that about a mile away, a paparazzo was lurking in the shadows, capturing the private moment with a long-range lens camera.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Pilots can see bad weather lurking in the distance hours before takeoff, glowing like a wraith on their digital maps.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
And, of course, his brothers are always lurking.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
During an epic research project spanning ten years, archaeologists first took to the skies in 2016 to investigate what might be lurking beneath the woods.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
For the survivors in Jerash, the site would serve as a reminder of the danger of unchecked microbes, lurking in the ecosystem.
—Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 28 Feb. 2026
Daniel said that there are numerous places where grime may be lurking, including the fridge vent, the fridge and stove hood filters.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Neemias Queta made all three of his field goals in the opening quarter, including a nice turnaround hook shot over Jokic and a last-second alley-oop from Pritchard, whose penchant for buzzer-beaters likely drew Denver’s attention away from the lurking big man.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
-
Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county's election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county’s election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021.—
Colleen Slevin,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Perhaps the Easter bunny got a little hungry after hiding all those eggs.—
Laura Fenton,
Parents,
5 Mar. 2026
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From the dealmakers in the Polo Lounge to the celebs hiding away in the spacious bungalows, all manner of tastemakers and wannabes have stopped by the Pink Palace at some time or another.—
Tim Chester,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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People walking around Boston were also slipping and sliding Wednesday morning.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
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But their resolve appears to be slipping, and the WNBA is taking advantage.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The final Oscar voting period has closed, and anyone telling you the race is over is lying.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
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Ayala had previously faced claims of lying and excessive force but was not placed on a Milwaukee County District Attorney's list of officers with a history of dishonesty, bias or integrity concerns until recently.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
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That’s right, y’all, with the touch of the sliding button, scooping batter for muffins, cupcakes, brownies, and other baked treats is as easy as pie.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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