sneaking 1 of 2

Definition of sneakingnext
1
2
3

sneaking

2 of 2

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
These businesses offer a way to entertain kids while sneaking in a little education. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026 But beyond sneaking small bombs past Israel’s air defenses, Iran’s use of cluster munitions may also be intended to try to reduce Israel’s stock of missile interceptors, potentially forcing it to fire dozens of them to eliminate the threat of a single missile. Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026 Videos posted on social media in recent months show people sneaking into condo buildings and climbing to the apex of some of the tallest towers in Miami and Miami Beach. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 The macro also promotes satiety, which will prevent hunger from sneaking back too soon. Lauren Manaker, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026 What was once a hopeless 11-12 team is now a surging 17-13 squad with real designs on sneaking into the NCAA Tournament. Jim Root, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county's election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021. Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026 Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county’s election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021. Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county’s election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021. ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneaking
Adjective
  • So forget shady characters, or fake websites.
    Dave Lieber Mar. 11, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The inspiration for this pasta comes from the shady, mysterious forests of Northern California’s Redwood National and State Parks.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 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
  • Smith said the legislation could pass in December, during the lame-duck session of Congress that will follow November’s midterm elections, but that the coming days are critical.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Maybe that’s a lame hook, but that, combined with the return of reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, gets them back in their spot.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Yet the 7th Circuit took the extraordinary step of swooping in anyway, treating constraints on DHS — which has only become more violent in the months since Ellis’ order — as a lurking constitutional problem that had to be scrubbed from the books lest plaintiffs seek similar relief in the future.
    Seth Stern, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Without optimism, some evolutionary biologists argue, this incredible ability would have largely gone to waste, hijacked by a persistent belief that the future was less important than whatever was lurking behind the bushes, ready to pounce, right now.
    Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The levels of airborne chemicals detected in the gym’s basement suggest toxic vapors are infiltrating the building.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The development comes after long-standing fears about Chinese agents infiltrating London’s political circle.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Finally, the offensive pass game got a sneaky upgrade, as former Minnesota Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor agreed to terms on a $35 million deal with $23 million guaranteed across three years as well.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Look out for sneaky web hosting fees, though.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The documentary is built around the investigative work of journalists Katya Hakim and Denis Korotkov who picked up the mantle from three colleagues who were brutally slain while looking into Wagner’s clandestine activities in Africa.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
  • On this occasion in 2018, Rodriguez and others in the group had received an anonymous tip of a possible clandestine cemetery on the outskirts of Cordoba.
    Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Step into Lucy Score’s romance universe Score is goofy and humble, ready with a dirty or self-deprecating joke.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The Twizzlers brand has introduced a new flavor of its fan-favorite Twizzlers straws that have been inspired by the dirty soda craze.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneaking. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sneaking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster