SKULK Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'skulk' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of skulk are lurk , slink , and sneak . While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent. // something skulking in the shadows

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lurk' instead of 'skulk'?

While in some cases nearly identical to skulk , lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent. // suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Q: Where would 'slink' be a reasonable alternative to 'skulk'?

The synonyms slink and skulk are sometimes interchangeable, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention. // slunk around the corner

Q: In what contexts can 'sneak' take the place of 'skulk'?

The words sneak and skulk can be used in similar contexts, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods. // sneaked out early

skulk 1 of 2

verb

ˈskəlk

Definition of skulk

as in to lurk

to move about in a sly or secret manner I thought I saw someone skulking about in the shadows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to hide

to remain out of sight the animal control officers caught the stray cat that had been skulking behind some trash cans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

skulk

2 of 2

noun

as in weasel

someone who acts in a sly and secret manner were surprised to discover the skulk stealing from the garden was a raccoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word skulk distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of skulk are lurk, slink, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When is it sensible to use lurk instead of skulk?

While in some cases nearly identical to skulk, lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Where would slink be a reasonable alternative to skulk?

The synonyms slink and skulk are sometimes interchangeable, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

In what contexts can sneak take the place of skulk?

The words sneak and skulk can be used in similar contexts, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

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 skulk

Verb

Team Melissa leaves and convenes in the parking lot, with Jackie skulking around the corner afraid of running into them. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2024 Even so, there’s a profound loneliness skulking around his book. —Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Kamala Harris will become the first woman to serve as a U.S. president and a pitiful, angry old man will skulk back to Mar-a-Lago. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2024 Her initial attempts to divest herself of Sunny entwine with her desire to learn just who her husband was; there will be skulking and unpleasant if incomplete discoveries. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for skulk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for skulk

Verb

Redondo Beach — The Trump administration’s targeting of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will jeopardize efforts to save sea lions, dolphins, sea birds and other wildlife stricken by poisons lurking offshore, say marine scientists, public health officials and animal rescuers.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

— Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025