skulks 1 of 2

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
  • In this case, a creator pairs her sneaks with a graphic tee.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 16 June 2026
  • These sneaks utilize the latest running innovations to ensure your kicks improve performance while still looking stylish.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jamon has left the past behind, but danger still lurks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 June 2026
  • Yet despite its reputation, this isn’t a bloodthirsty murder-bird that lurks in the rainforests waiting for its next victim.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Also in Scorsese’s film, Cady’s crimes are so galling that Sam, Cady’s defense lawyer, breaks his own oath to his client and hides evidence that might have helped get Cady off (a change from MacDonald’s novel).
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Drama hides a hero’s flaws; comedy exaggerates it.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Nothing is as attractive to a skunk as a cozy woodpile or rock pile to den in, says Fyffe, so keeping your yard free from those skunk havens is key.
    Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026
  • The lakeshore bird also faces threats from predators like dogs, coyotes and skunks.
    Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • And yet some Democrats were clear-eyed about the work that lies ahead to bring the party together as new divisions flared in the wake of Mamdani's success.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • Wong believes the future lies not in eliminating uncertainty but in helping people better understand it.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Grab these lightweight sneakers for gym days or walks around the park, and check out these $18 foam platforms that are practically begging to hit the beach.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 23 June 2026
  • Pair these lightweight pants with chunky sneakers or wedge sandals for the ideal blend of comfort and sophistication.
    Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • There are leaders, lurkers, peacekeepers, instigators, and the person who only surfaces to drop an occasional thumbs-up.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
  • 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 center offers visitors the chance to see and learn about native wildlife, including baby alligators, turtles, and snakes, among other creatures.
    Molly O'Brien, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
  • The snakes were in containers that had their names and illustrations on the side.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Skulks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulks. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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