LURKING Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

lurking

verb

present participle of lurk

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

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

Verb

Isaiah’s aunt, Charlene, said in court this week that her 8-year-old nephew was mischievous, often sneaking food in the middle of the night.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Auburn’s slate was more difficult, sneaking by Baylor (and former Gators quarterback DJ Lagway) 17-16 in Week 1 before leveling Southern Miss 43-8 last Saturday.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of sneaking

Verb

Just as O’Malley and Rahill’s work is infatuated with toxic masculinity and fratty hopecore, Bensinger’s is obsessed with sheepish dude-empaths hiding beneath layers of uneasy bravado.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
The pursuit eventually led officers into the forest outside Sacramento, where 44-year-old Derek Spencer held them at bay by hiding and firing from behind a berm until he was shot and killed, authorities said.

— Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of hiding

Verb

Use them on your luggage, backpack, purse, or fanny pack to prevent sneaky pickpockets from slipping their fingers inside.

— Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
For a Chopard party in New York, supermodel Bella Hadid also went archival, slipping into a slinky silver Ralph Lauren gown—complete with Chopard diamonds.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 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

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lurkers

lurking

lurks

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“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lurking

verb

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