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
  • This combination of music and entertainment sneaks education in where kids least expect it.
    Parents, Parents, 10 July 2026
  • In this case, a creator pairs her sneaks with a graphic tee.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Enjoy this underappreciated gem—just beware the Frogman, who lurks in Stephen’s mind and on every page.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But a bigger story lurks deeper in Tuesday’s numbers that could spell trouble for Republicans in November.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The expansion will take players to the brand new realm of Letten — an idyllic land of rural tradition that hides a dark secret just below the surface.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Who’s flaunting their skeletal frame and who hides a bit behind a couture wall of feathers?
    Marti Noxon, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s what to do if skunks become a problem in your yard and how to get rid of them.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, skunk or bat.
    Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Yanbu lies about 900 kilometers (560 miles) from the nearest part of Yemen.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead lies the preseason finale Thursday against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Lastly, the sneaker’s marbled outsole has been given a glow-in-the-dark treatment — a longtime staple of Nike’s Halloween sneakers.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • To stay on theme with a sporty look, these Brooks sneakers are a solid option that offer support, cushioning, and a lightweight feel.
    Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 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
  • Land targeted for conservation makes up a quilt of South Florida wilderness, from coastal wetland to tropical hammocks, inhabited by rare plants, butterflies, bats, snakes and other critters.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers have identified thousands of snakes and lizards in this geological record, many of which became meals for local predators.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Skulks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skulks. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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