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
As usual, Snout the weasel was sneaking around, looking for an opportunity to snatch everyone’s food. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 At one point, after Paul has relapsed, Catt comes home and catches a woman sneaking out of their house. Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 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
The Warriors didn’t ask him to run often against Heritage, but his two carries were a bulldozing plunge for a two-point conversion and a 1-yard sneak for a touchdown. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025 The Baylor pledge jump-started the offense with a 1-yard touchdown sneak less than five minutes before halftime. Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sneak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneak
Verb
  • Meanwhile, your amygdala starts firing warning signals about potential threats lurking in the unknown.
    Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025
  • One of the employees at the McDonald's, Mandy Jackson, told the outlet that the gator had been lurking around the restaurant for two days.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Where Lil Boosie and Kevin Gates are hometown heroes, two artists who are direct ancestors for YoungBoy’s style, YoungBoy is more notorious, fodder for the gossip shows and the minor podcasts that infiltrate their way onto your timeline.
    Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Body-hugging jerseys and crisp poplin pieces also infiltrated Boero’s lexicon.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a First World War U-boat that somehow glides from underneath Lake Michigan all the way to Croatia, commandeered by its captain, post-Armistice, for new and clandestine uses.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Co-created by The New York Times bestselling author Carr and season 1 creator and showrunner David DiGilio, Dark Wolf follows Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) on his journey from the SEALs to the clandestine side of CIA special operations.
    Susan Young, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 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
  • Currently, Wisconsin law limits only delta-9 THC, allowing other intoxicating compounds to slip through the cracks.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Ferrari is currently battling for the second spot in the Constructors' Championship with Red Bull and Mercedes, after slipping to third.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 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
  • This model protects against allergens like pollen and pet dander, smoke, dust, and does it all from a place of covert, inoffensive design.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The detectives’ new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rabies can be found in many other wildlife species, including raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
  • After World War I, fur remained a status garment, though lower-cost furs like skunk, mole, and musquash entered mainstream winter wear.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sneak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneak. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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