skulks 1 of 2

Definition of skulksnext
plural of skulk
as in sneaks
someone who acts in a sly and secret manner were surprised to discover the skulk stealing from the garden was a raccoon

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skulks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of skulk
1
as in lurks
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 hides
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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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 skulks
Noun
Frank discovers Lee’s meddling and skulks into Arthur’s apartment and murders him. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Nov. 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
Verb
With Irene threatening Billie, Joe skulks back to his cement cell, but hears Irene torturing Billie in the next room. Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulks
Noun
  • These sneaks utilize the latest running innovations to ensure your kicks improve performance while still looking stylish.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Wear them to work with a pair of cute loafers and a spring blouse, or dress them down with a tee and your favorite sneaks for a comfy-casual look.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Look to the eastern sky in the hour preceding dawn on May 14 to catch a rare sight, as the moon, Saturn and Mars form a cosmic triangle in the glow of the rising sun, while the ice giant Neptune lurks unseen nearby.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 May 2026
  • Magnetic and funny, Maris easily draws people into her orbit, but her nocturnal habits hint at a dangerous violence that lurks beneath the surface.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • So Daisy hides the truth from everyone but Shu.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 13 May 2026
  • The virus hides out in reservoirs in the body and rebounds fast if people stop treatment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Only about 30 percent of all nests evade their many predators, including skunks, opossums, raccoons, coyotes, snakes, and even domestic dogs and cats.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This invites not only skunks, but also other unwanted visitors such as mice, opossums, and raccoons, says Anderson.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Yes She Cannes, a Croisette fixture since 2018, says the competition section is where the crux of the issue lies.
    Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
  • Jerusalem lies at the heart of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • One of New Balance’s cushiest designs, the Fresh Foam X 1080 V14 sneakers make the perfect walking shoes, especially on hard terrain.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026
  • Given the premise, sneakers are naturally a major part of the costuming.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The Cubs and Padres are well clear of any lurkers for the top two spots, but the Mets have the last ticket in for now, with San Francisco, Arizona and Cincinnati all within 2 1/2 games of them.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The new series was filmed primarily outdoors in Texas, presenting challenges like extreme heat and venomous snakes.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • There are snakes and hyenas and wild dogs.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Skulks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulks. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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