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snake 1 of 2

noun

ˈsnāk How to pronounce snake (audio)
Definition of snakenext
1
as in serpent
a limbless reptile with a long body snakes are cold-blooded, so they regulate their body temperature by alternately basking in sunlight and seeking shade

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2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others why, that dirty, rotten snake!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in traitor
one who betrays a trust or an allegiance what a snake she was—having an affair with my husband while I was in the hospital!

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snake

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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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 snake
Noun
Photos from the reptile’s rescue show a Wildlife SOS rescuer showing off the large snake before moving it away from the property. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Other Animals While you may be tempted to blame other animals such as opossums or snakes, or even coyotes for making holes or burrows in your yard, these creatures are more likely to use existing animal holes for their dens. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026
Verb
But the real action was in line for the Breen meet and greet, which snaked across the lobby of the Regal’s mezzanine level after the second screening. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 The Premier League trophy was kept out of the way, not shown off, apart from the blazing cover picture in the souvenir programme which ensured queues snaking through the crowd to purchase this special memento. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snake
  1. serpent
  2. jerk
  3. traitor
  4. lurk
  5. crawl
  6. viper
  7. dog
  8. sneak
Noun
  • The serpents aren't the only unusual visitors popping up off Southern California's coast.
    — Lesley Marin, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The serpents hunt for fish in open water and can easily get caught in currents.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of serpent
Noun
  • According to children’s program manager Fedeline Julien, who has worked for Beaches since 1999, the area where Treasure Beach stands used to be dedicated to beach parties, team member residences, and the jerk truck.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In late August, Mayor Mamdani hosted a celebration of Caribbean culture at Gracie Mansion with plenty of patties and jerk chicken to go around.
    — Reshma B, VIBE.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Brian would have to report back home to his louse of a father to fight or be branded a traitor.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Each season, The Traitors brings together a group of people for a game of deceit, separating the cast into faithfuls and traitors who must try to figure out who is who.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of traitor
Verb
  • Surging Treasury yields have rattled Wall Street, but there may also be an opportunity lurking for income investors to turn a profit.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For more than a century, astronomers have been captivated by the idea that an undiscovered planet could be lurking in the furthest reaches of our solar system.
    — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of lurk
Verb
  • Suki, who had been with her new family only a few weeks, had crawled into an opening in an entertainment center cabinet and could not get out.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • And the weirdness of the blue, blue sky above, while hundreds of men crawl around like ants on the rubble.
    — Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of crawl
Noun
  • There were rattlesnakes and vipers in the rest of Canada, but no snakes here in except the harmless garter snake.
    — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The scans revealed that the vertebrae within the tail were normal and typical of most vipers, Georgalis said.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of viper
Noun
  • For dogs that stress out easily or suffer from anxiety, these collars could also increase their stress levels when left on too long.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The survival thriller, directed by David Ayer, follows a Special Forces officer and his combat dog who, after a devastating plane crash, get stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • Florida snuck by the namesake SEC rival 44-39 in their first meeting since 2019.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Armstrong even sneaked ahead and pulled off a proper jump scare as himself, pointing out a mirror that created a hiding spot for performers.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of sneak

Phrases Containing snake

Browse Nearby Words

snails
snake
snakebit
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Cite this Entry

“Snake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snake. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on snake

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snake

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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