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
However, Zandi still sees a precarious situation with many risks lurking that could flip the economy.
—
Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Scientists peered at the lurking animal — and discovered a new species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Cindy is lurking in the shadows, slowly getting more and more pissed at Nicolle.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
The Big Ten race appears to be narrowing in on OSU and Oregon (and potentially IU if the Hoosiers can win on Saturday), but Michigan is lurking quietly.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Listen to learn why ratfish deserve better publicity photos and what other mouth-tooth mysteries might be lurking in the deep sea.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
Reuters — American golfer Vince Whaley had a particularly nerve-wracking encounter with a big-toothed onlooker at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday, as he was forced to play a shot under the watchful gaze of a lurking alligator.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Restaurants are revolving doors of people and food, the perfect circumstances for bacteria to grow and lurking cockroaches to build a nest among food crumbs and scraps.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
In short, even with risk lurking just around the corner, the economic incentives have yet aligned clearly for many companies, individuals, and municipalities.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Scientists peered at the lurking animal — and discovered a new species.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
Cindy is lurking in the shadows, slowly getting more and more pissed at Nicolle.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
The Big Ten race appears to be narrowing in on OSU and Oregon (and potentially IU if the Hoosiers can win on Saturday), but Michigan is lurking quietly.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Listen to learn why ratfish deserve better publicity photos and what other mouth-tooth mysteries might be lurking in the deep sea.
—Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 8 Oct. 2025
Reuters — American golfer Vince Whaley had a particularly nerve-wracking encounter with a big-toothed onlooker at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday, as he was forced to play a shot under the watchful gaze of a lurking alligator.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Restaurants are revolving doors of people and food, the perfect circumstances for bacteria to grow and lurking cockroaches to build a nest among food crumbs and scraps.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
In short, even with risk lurking just around the corner, the economic incentives have yet aligned clearly for many companies, individuals, and municipalities.
—Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
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After noticing Atlas sometimes got upset when their dad dropped them off at school, Aveline began sneaking into his room each morning after Kay laid out his clothes.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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From running errands to sneaking in gym sessions, these walking shoes remained extremely supportive and comfortable throughout, especially for those with low arches and overpronation.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And inside the hedges was my tour photographer hiding in bushes that had not previously been there.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
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In 2024, Machado’s candidacy was blocked, she was prevented from leaving the country, and she has been forced to live in hiding.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While Google still dominates the search market and has taken steps to integrate AI into the search experience, its market share has been slipping.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
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Was the recent dip just a bump in the road or a sign that one of college football’s most prestigious programs is slipping?—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Kitty’s brother, Milton, insisted until his death earlier this year that his nephews were lying about the abuse.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
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Bozsik was different; an always available, deep-lying midfielder when that was new.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Right tackle Andrew Wylie, with Cosmi sliding over to help, took defensive lineman Jacob Martin.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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