SNEAK Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sneak 1 of 3

verb

ˈsnēk

Definition of sneak next

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

Relevance

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

When he was previously confined to a hospital bed for weeks, Mr. Hughes would visit and sneak Mr. Collins’ favorite snacks past the nurse. —

Troy Aidan Sambajon, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Feb. 2025 Gerson spoke of her long career in the industry, remembering her childhood watching icons like Frank Sinatra perform at her family’s nightclub in Philadelphia, and recalled sneaking into her first Clive party (which must have been easier in those days). —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 2 Feb. 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

Netflix also showed an exclusive sneak peak of their upcoming online party royale game Squid Game: Unleashed. —

Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024 Designed for daily runs, this sneak will give you a bit of a pep in your step, with foam that feels more bouncy than squishy. —

Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sneak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneak

Verb

New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of the city that never sleeps are 3 million resilient rats that have cemented their place as native New Yorkers.

— Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Most people are aware of the risk of forever chemicals lurking in items such as plastic straws.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025