skulk 1 of 2

1
as in to lurk
to move about in a sly or secret manner I thought I saw someone skulking about in the shadows

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2
as in to hide
to remain out of sight the animal control officers caught the stray cat that had been skulking behind some trash cans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

skulk

2 of 2

noun

as in weasel
someone who acts in a sly and secret manner were surprised to discover the skulk stealing from the garden was a raccoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word skulk distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of skulk are lurk, slink, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When is it sensible to use lurk instead of skulk?

While in some cases nearly identical to skulk, lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Where would slink be a reasonable alternative to skulk?

The synonyms slink and skulk are sometimes interchangeable, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

In what contexts can sneak take the place of skulk?

The words sneak and skulk can be used in similar contexts, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

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 skulk
Verb
Caught between Ocasio-Cortez on the left and MAGA, Schumer has been skulking through the U.S. Capitol mired in an aura of defeat. Alexander Nazaryan, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025 Gaga debuted it with an unforgettable SNL performance, skulking through the Studio 8H hallways like a woman possessed. Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025 Birdwatchers can keep their eyes on the skies in search of Eurasian sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons, while truly fortunate visitors might be able to catch a glimpse of an Italian wolf skulking through the park in search of prey. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Nolan witnessed the very start of the peck, then quickly pivoted and skulked away. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulk
Verb
  • Players must navigate nightmarish mazes where monsters lurk at every turn.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The Triangle, one of many signature quirks of Fenway Park, lurks 420 feet from home plate.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And now there’s another reason users may click to hide — dynamic pricing.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • And best of all, the mirror distracts guests from registering that there’s a coat hanger hiding ‘round back.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Mule lands on the planet, and Indbur the weasel immediately kneels before the pirate, completely surrendering.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Strategizing more long-term goals for your planting beds and lawns might be better for you than running outside with your garden weasel right now.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Aloe vera sneaks in lightweight hydration, and wheat protein helps strengthen to keep breakage at bay.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Read about a man who has snuck into prestigious events for nearly a decade.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The western end of the chain lies along more than 1,200 miles and includes Nihoa, Mokumanamana, Kamokuokamohoalii, Onunui and Onuiki, Kamole, Kapo and Manawai.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Not just lie there, but keep saying something.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • After World War I, fur remained a status garment, though lower-cost furs like skunk, mole, and musquash entered mainstream winter wear.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Around 75% of Americans are exposed to raccoons, skunks and foxes — the very wildlife that commonly spread the fatal disease to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Victims of a snake bite are advised not to try to remove the venom themselves or to tie off the bite area.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The former enslaved told stories of Laveau dancing with snakes and fish, her movements blending her feminine form with the aquatic.
    Time, Time, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Skulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulk. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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