sneaking 1 of 2

Definition of sneakingnext
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sneaking

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verb

present participle of sneak
1
as in lurking
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

2
as in infiltrating
to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way sneak the topic into the conversation any way you can

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sneaking
Adjective
Contributor Yelena Alpert has a sneaking suspicion that these Frette slippers will last a lifetime, attributing her hypothesis to the shoe’s superior quality. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026 The package includes free breakfast for your plus-one (no more sneaking snacks away from the conference), a signature drink each night (perfect for unwinding after your workday ends), and 1,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
Autonomous task forces of drones could be assigned to defend against specific threats — Russian subs sneaking into the Atlantic Ocean, say, or a possible amphibious landing on Taiwan. Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026 As for oats, consider sneaking in some extra protein to round out their nutritional profile. Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 28 May 2026 This meant that teams were rewarded more for winning, encouraging imaginative and positive play over unimaginative and negative play aimed at sneaking a win or grinding out a draw. Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 Duren wound up sneaking onto the All-NBA third team, which has major financial implications for both him and the Pistons. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 These irresistible, creamy purée treats are perfect for picky eaters, bonding moments and sneaking in hydration—cats can’t get enough of them. Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 May 2026 Christie is preparing to launch a mysterious new line of suits, at a hundred thousand dollars apiece, a plan that the three women catch wind of when Corvette actually manages to get a foot in the door—by sneaking into Christie’s apartment. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 May 2026 The Thunder took possession with a one-point lead and Gilgeous-Alexander followed with a driving layup, sneaking to the rim while Wembanyama’s back was turned. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 19 May 2026 After about a year at the park and sneaking onto a field with American-style uprights at Kanda University, where some of his friends went to school, Matsuzawa wanted to make his project more serious. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneaking
Adjective
  • As your seedlings start to grow, trim each pot down to one seedling before exposing them to the outdoor environment in a shady spot for a few hours everyday for at least a week.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
  • Matsui campaign strategist Roger Salazar clapped back against the allegations of shady PAC spending Friday, pointing to super PAC spending on Vang’s behalf.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 June 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
Adjective
  • The Browns are clearly in rebuild mode, with 2026 expected to be a lame-duck season at quarterback with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders vying for the starting job for a season before the team uses the 2027 draft to select its latest quarterback of the future.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 2 June 2026
  • Initially blocked by recalcitrant Democratic members of the House, the legislation was reintroduced during a lame-duck session following the 2024 election.
    Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The fungi are already lurking in your soil, just waiting for enough moisture to go into action.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
  • Every day for more than 30 years, NASA's iconic Hubble Space Telescope has plumbed the cosmos to unveil secrets and wonders lurking in every corner of the universe.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • In it, when her brother is arrested, Harvard Law student Madison Rivera cuts a deal with the DOJ to save him by infiltrating the chambers of the most powerful judge in Boston, Judge Kathryn Conroy.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 June 2026
  • After infiltrating the local music scene, Arthur was offered a gig as rhythm guitarist in the Merry-Go-Round band, on one condition — a rebranding.
    Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Houston The Cougars retained their two best players (quarterback Conner Weigman, wide receiver Amare Thomas) and did a sneaky good job of finding fits in the portal to add to a team that went 10-3 last year.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 2 June 2026
  • Oven Mitts Like reusable grocery bags, oven mitts, and pot holders are a sneaky source of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • That similarly clandestine spot is tucked in the mail sorting room of Hotel Phillips downtown.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
  • Nicknamed Zvezdny Gorodok, or Star City/Starry Town, this clandestine base of operations was built beside the Tsiolkovskaya railway station served by the Yaroslavl Railroad.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • My father was running the skid steer outside, clearing the snow, leaving dirty white mounds to either side of the driveway that led from the house out to the range road.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • Workers have told us that even wiping sweat from their face can be criticized because supervisors worry about the garment getting dirty.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sneaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneaking. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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