Synonyms of sneak

sneak 1 of 3

verb

ˈsnēk 

1

as in to lurk

to move about in a sly or secret manner

the little kids sneak around upstairs when they're supposed to be in bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lurk
• slip
• steal
• slide
• crawl
• mouse
• slink
• snake
• creep
• skulk
• shirk
• tiptoe
• mooch
• pussyfoot
• worm
• edge
• pad
• ghost
• inch

2

as in to infiltrate

to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way

sneak the topic into the conversation any way you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

• infiltrate
• slip
• worm
• insert
• introduce
• work in
• wind
• wriggle
• insinuate
• wiggle
• creep
• edge
• interpose
• interpolate

sneak

2 of 3

adjective

as in clandestine

undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

a sneak attack on the nation's capitol

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clandestine
• covert
• undercover
• sneaking
• underground
• private
• stealth
• surreptitious
• sneaky
• secret
• furtive
• stealthy
• behind-the-scenes
• underhanded
• privy
• underhand
• backstairs
• hole-and-corner
• undisclosed
• hush-hush
• hidden
• confidential
• secreted
• restricted
• closed-door
• hugger-mugger
• classified
• off-the-record
• top secret
• off-the-books
• concealed
• back-channel
• subterranean
• unexposed
• unadvertised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open
• public
• overt
• acknowledged
• avowed
• straightforward
• clear
• unrestricted
• manifest
• unclassified
• evident
• obvious
• plain
• undisguised
• unconcealed
• aboveboard
• patent

sneak

3 of 3

noun

as in weasel

someone who acts in a sly and secret manner

"Why, you little sneak," the mother exclaimed, "you made my birthday present right under my nose!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weasel
• skunk
• sneaker
• snake
• skulk
• spy
• snoop
• skulker
• lurker
• slyboots
• sharper
• stalker
• swindler
• sharpie
• snooper
• slicker

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sneak distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sneak are lurk, skulk, and slink. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

When could lurk be used to replace sneak?

The words lurk and sneak can be used in similar contexts, but lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

When is skulk a more appropriate choice than sneak?

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

something skulking in the shadows

Where would slink be a reasonable alternative to sneak?

The meanings of slink and sneak largely overlap; however, slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sneak

Verb

That's fine by Rodgers, who knows a thing or two about sneaking in the playoffs and going on a run. —CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026

Essentially, in the biological arms race of virus versus human, influenza A H3N2 has changed its plan of attack in key genetic areas that can sneak past our defenses. —New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Get Ready: Katy Perry Has Released a Sneak Peek of Her New Song And the internet has receipts. —Mehera Bonner, Marie Claire, 15 Mar. 2017

Noun

Later in the fourth, Miramonte seemingly put the game away when another Dalton sneak gave Miramonte a 28-14 lead with just over seven to go. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

Specific to Bradbury and Onwenu, they got submarined by Bengals defensive linemen on Maye's tush-push sneak in the fourth quarter, which stopped them and their quarterback from generating any kind of push. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025

Video

Sneaked vs. Snuck

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary