snake 1 of 2

Definition of snakenext
1
2
3

snake

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to lurk
to move about in a sly or secret manner snaking softly through the brush

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to crawl
to move slowly with the body close to the ground commandos snaking through the grass toward the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 snake
Noun
The invasive snakes prey on native birds, mammals and reptiles, disrupting the food chain. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026 The deeptech startup is developing flexible, snake-like robotic arms designed to navigate narrow, cluttered and unpredictable environments like sewers, industrial tanks and urban pipelines. Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
Evidence of the shooting was visible on a sidewalk just outside the White House complex, where yellow crime scene tape snaked across the pavement and Secret Service officers placed dozens of orange evidence markers on the ground. Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 The rolling landscape, nestled between a nature preserve and a cattle ranch, had silvery groves of ancient olive trees, a meandering creek, and a network of antique aqueducts snaking through the fields. Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for snake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snake
Noun
  • After hand painting and hand placing 250 individual plastic scales, the serpent's 13,000-pound head returned.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
  • Nagatitan’s name references Naga, a serpent-like being in some Asian religious traditions that is prominently depicted in various Thai temples.
    Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • The dog paces to and fro, hackles bristling, snapping at the empty air, its head turning one way, then the other, as if aware of invisible foes in the valley around them.
    Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
  • Stop here for suggestions on the best nearby dog-friendly parks for your pup, to pick up breakfast vouchers, and to grab a list of participating local businesses that offer discounts to Hotel Lucia guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Queen Seymour is on the run as a traitor, having literally sunk one palace, while Queen Howard practices spycraft right under her husband’s nose.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Lack of support compounded 'traitor' narrative, Greene says Greene was one of the president's earliest and loudest supporters during his first term, and worked relentlessly on his reelection campaign in 2024, appearing with the president at multiple events.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Others argue that the maze needs a minotaur, and point to a mysterious creature that has lurked within the Backrooms since the beginning.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • But beneath the smooth surface, major engineering problems have lurked since it was constructed in the 1920s.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • At sunset, the city starts glowing around you while traffic crawls silently below.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 May 2026
  • Rescuers say the best course of action is to drain the cave, so the five can crawl out.
    Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Dangerous reptiles like cobras, mambas, vipers, anacondas and rattlesnakes are all banned from private ownership.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Once revived, the viper immediately bites the farmer.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Autonomous task forces of drones could be assigned to defend against specific threats — Russian subs sneaking into the Atlantic Ocean, say, or a possible amphibious landing on Taiwan.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Still, there have been occasional opportunities to sneak in some bigger names.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Chartreuse creeping Jenny adds even more contrast.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
  • But even after this evacuation, the 911 call log and the new county report show sheriff’s deputies responded to an increasing number of spot fires and flare-ups that continued to creep farther west.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snake. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on snake

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster