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

James Marcus Haney made his name as a filmmaker sneaking into Coachella, Glastonbury and other top music festivals by posing as press to get exclusive footage of pop stars and their performances. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

So the Marlins cannot promote Cannarella and Compton to the 40-man roster and then somehow sneak them off the 40 before a work stoppage. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

Taking the Scenic Route Home After their successful sneak-attack pillaging of Troy, Odysseus’ comrade Menelaus (Jon Bernthal) and his men pack up and head back to Sparta. — Whitney Friedlander, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Although Netflix has yet to announce plans for a fourth season, fans got a sneak peak of the cheer season ahead when the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders official Instagram shared their final roster for the 2026-27 season in mid-July 2026. — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Video

Sneaked vs. Snuck

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary