1
as in lurking
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 hiding
to remain out of sight
the animal control officers caught the stray cat that had been skulking behind some trash cans
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skulking
The film’s John Slattery, who has fallen on hard times after the halcyon days of Mad Men and is skulking in the Valley, is enlisted to help with the endeavor.
—
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Some have described voting out of fear, with security personnel in traditional clothing and sunglasses and armed policemen skulking around polling areas, according to ABC.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
This leaves Stephen skulking away to plot his revenge some other way.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
The Serious-Minded Coach would hide behind the cloak of plausible deniability and let his agent do the dirty work before skulking out of town to his next gig.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.
—Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
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
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026
Advertisement Some have described voting out of fear, with security personnel in traditional clothing and sunglasses and armed policemen skulking around polling areas, according to ABC.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
This leaves Stephen skulking away to plot his revenge some other way.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026
The Serious-Minded Coach would hide behind the cloak of plausible deniability and let his agent do the dirty work before skulking out of town to his next gig.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.
—Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulking
Verb
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My mind is always at my front door—the thin barrier between safety and the terror lurking outside.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
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The project takes place deep in the desolate wilderness where a crumbling castle stands with a mysterious presence lurking within.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For more wicker patio set deals hiding in plain sight, check out our favorites below from Walmart, West Elm, and beyond—and get ready for many afternoons spent enjoying your new outdoor oasis.—
Melanie Fincher,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
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Typically police will train on how to work their way through a building where a shooter could be hiding behind various doors or in rooms or stairways.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These irresistible, creamy purée treats are perfect for picky eaters, bonding moments and sneaking in hydration—cats can’t get enough of them.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Their parties became notorious even in my own cliques; my parents knew to expect at least a few dozen teenagers crashing their party, sucking down all the noodles, and sneaking beers in the canyon down below.—
Natasha Pickowicz,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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Special prosecutors indict Kim Keon Hee and former Prime Minister Han on charges of abetting Yoon’s imposition of martial law, falsifying and destroying official documents and lying under oath.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skulking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulking. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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