skulk 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonym Chooser

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
The seeds of the love triangle between Robert, Blazer, and Invisigal are firmly planted now and ready to bloom into a total shitshow — especially with the blonde hero’s recent breakup with her boyfriend Phenomaman, who’s skulking about in a deep depression. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025 Despite a restraining order against her, Lisa skulks around the twins’ school at drop-off and stalks them in the grocery store. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025 Money speaks, the land listens, where the Anarchist skulked, where the horsethief plied his trade, we fishers of Americans will cast our nets of perfect ten-acre mesh, leveled and varmint-proofed, ready to build on. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 The models skulked through The Box like zombies from a past life. Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulk
Verb
  • Below-average play is often staring you right in the face while catastrophe lurks around the corner.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Italian experimental duo creates a sprawling, overstimulating work that celebrates the kitsch lurking behind a wide array of musical forms.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Minimalists will opt for a charging station with organized cords or a drawer or basket to hide cords in lieu of a jumble of cords and devices, Donaldson shares.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
  • That can include driving someone away from agents, hiding them, or providing false documents.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Other aggressive species include the horsefly, a venomous sand-burrowing fish, and the cherubic-looking pine marten, a kind of cute but angry weasel.
    Anna Russell, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
  • That’s exactly how this weasel should sound like.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Some of my earliest memories are sneaking out of bed to sit at the top of the stairs, desperate to catch a glimpse of the gold and the glamour.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
  • If the cover art suggests ’70s private-press albums have snuck into Garm’s rotation, the music seems to confirm it.
    Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately Giovanna learns that, to a certain degree, all of the adults in her life are lying—to themselves as well as others.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Every politician who has ever lied or who lies today will be nothing but a mere amateur when compared to the present occupant of the White House.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Thiols are responsible for the distinctive aromas of skunk spray and ripe durian; they’re also added to natural gas to provide a detectable rotten-egg smell at even trace levels.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Some owls will hunt the wildlife that raids our garbage cans, like skunks and opossums.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Visitors can also view and touch snakes displayed by the San Diego Herpetological Society, take photos inside a replica eagle nest in the art barn and visit informational booths from local wildlife organizations.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The defining feature of this region, however, is the Mwagusi Sand River, a seasonally dry riverbed that snakes through the park.
    Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Skulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulk. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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