sneak 1 of 3

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

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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

sneak

2 of 3

adjective

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

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

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 sneak
Verb
Batman and Gordon sneak into Ace Chemicals and face off against Red Hood and his cronies. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 After noticing Atlas sometimes got upset when their dad dropped them off at school, Aveline began sneaking into his room each morning after Kay laid out his clothes. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
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
Take a cue from the Celine runways and pair them with a blazer, low-profile retro sneaks, and a silk scarf knotted around the neck. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025 Plus, enjoy a special sneak peak of the Below Deck Down Under premiere, featuring the The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cross-over charter. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sneak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneak
Verb
  • Roynon explains that color can lift good feng shui energy and mute any negative energy that may be lurking around.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
  • However, Zandi still sees a precarious situation with many risks lurking that could flip the economy.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • From Taylor’s return to radio and late-night interviews to brand activations and more, TS12 has completely infiltrated the mainstream in a way that TS11 did not.
    Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Windows were already beginning to glow with firelight when Balmer smashed another window and infiltrated the house.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Joint operations by the Civil Police and the Health Surveillance Agency have led to the closure of four clandestine factories and the arrest of 41 people, according to a statement by the government of São Paulo.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of being purely driven by a life-changing amount of money, Carrie has feelings for Richard, having carried on a clandestine affair with him before their murder plot.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As usual, Snout the weasel was sneaking around, looking for an opportunity to snatch everyone’s food.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Then there’s Vince Panaro, the main character of the season and weasel of all weasels, a man whose mere mention triggers noses wrinkling in distaste.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Buffett’s master class on the problem with gold The price of gold slipped on Friday after hitting a record high above $4,300 an ounce earlier this week.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The sophomore slipped past a tackler, then took off for a 51-yard touchdown reception to slice the deficit to 16-13.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This story has wormed its way into all levels of British cultural output.
    Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The fine alkaline dirt in this ancient lakebed wreaks havoc on electronics, and worms its way into the tiniest cracks or crevices.
    Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gallagher Trombley, the Digital Mom Media founder, worries that the helicopter parenting and the constant surveillance of our children, covert or otherwise, might have harmed an entire generation.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Those concerns have reportedly deepened tensions within the Pentagon over the military’s expanding role in supporting covert geopolitical objectives without clear congressional authorization.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sure enough, there was a cute little skunk staring back at me.
    Steven Sullivan, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Rabies can be found in many other wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sneak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneak. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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