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

Berens brings his particular brand of Midwest nice to his latest hour (watch the trailer above), full of stories about growing up one of 12 children, sneaking a beer into church, gambling with his grandmother, and Midwest Cheap Hacks. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025

On the other hand, 14 different teams — including one who barely snuck into the preseason top-25 — received at least one Final Four nod. —The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 3 Nov. 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

Set in the old rail cars of a former train depot, the energy of Donn's sneaks right out the front door and onto the streets. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

The Chiefs could try to get the Raiders to jump offside, run a QB sneak to try to convert for a first down or take a penalty and move the ball backward to set up for a punt. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025

Video

Sneaked vs. Snuck

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary