as in to sneak
to move about in a sly or secret manner like a thief slinking about in the middle of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word slink distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slink are lurk, skulk, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

When is lurk a more appropriate choice than slink?

While the synonyms lurk and slink are close in meaning, lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

When might skulk be a better fit than slink?

In some situations, the words skulk and slink are roughly equivalent. However, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When can sneak be used instead of slink?

The synonyms sneak and slink are sometimes interchangeable, 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 slink The team slunk out of Wrigley Field two games later facing the abyss. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 His win in the primary was a shock to the political establishment, and the powerful began to slink in his direction. Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 With the same playfulness of her makeup, Woods slicked the body of her hair in a bun on top of her head; her caramel-colored curled ends slinking around. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025 Route 128 slinks through the folds of Anderson Valley like a slow river, past vineyards clinging to hillsides and orchards heavy with apple blossoms come spring. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slink
Verb
  • The night before an away game in Knoxville, Russ and Danny must sneak out of the team hotel and go on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Whatever your topping of choice, anyone can relate to this pup sneaking a slice.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The story’s scope is considerably wider, and along with it comes the looming dread that the truth behind the mysterious shooting that opened the film in media res might be lurking around any corner.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025
  • Much of Hierapolis’ status was derived from the geothermal forces lurking beneath its surface.
    Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Women’s Power Stride Tab Socks 3-pack Designed with training in mind, this three-pack of no-show socks boasts an interior grip that keeps them from slipping during use.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Messi picked up the ball from his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul in midfield and burst toward the backpedaling Nashville back line before slipping the ball outside to Luis Suárez.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Taiwan's challenge is particularly acute as its fast-aging population strains social safety nets while its fertility rate—already one of the world’s lowest—continues to slide.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slink. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slink

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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