lurk

verb

ˈlərk How to pronounce lurk (audio)
Definition of lurknext
1
as in to sneak
to move about in a sly or secret manner we caught a glimpse of someone lurking around the corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to hide
to remain out of sight watch out for snakes lurking in the tall grass

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lurk distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of lurk are skulk, slink, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

When might skulk be a better fit than lurk?

Although the words skulk and lurk have much in common, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When is slink a more appropriate choice than lurk?

The words slink and lurk can be used in similar contexts, but slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

Where would sneak be a reasonable alternative to lurk?

While the synonyms sneak and lurk are close in meaning, 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 lurk These brief Charley moments are frankly much more dynamic than any repetitive scene of Dexter lurking around his son. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 July 2025 The incident comes as paranoia surrounding the possibility of a serial killer lurking within the New England region grips the area following a series of unexplained deaths in recent months. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 Something that will keep you cool, while offering a modicum of protection from any sinister objects lurking in your path. —Olivia Allen, Vogue, 9 July 2025 The cats are found lurking in bamboo and montane forests, officials said, typically hunting at night and on their own. —Irene Wright july 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lurk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurk
  1. sneak
  2. hide
  3. slip
  4. lie
Verb
  • Some folks get fancy and use electric kettles for pastas, and others sneak illicit hot plates into their dorms.
    — Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 27 July 2025
  • Long romanticized by cinema (hello, Jack Sparrow), pirate imagery is sneaking into fashion shows, reinterpreted with with luxurious materials, high shafts, relaxed structure, and lots of buckles.
    — María Munsuri, Glamour, 27 July 2025
Definition of sneak
Verb
  • Zakrzewski bought a machete during his lunch break, took it home and sharpened it before hiding it and a crowbar, according to court records.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The lawsuit accuses Tucson police of hiding or destroying evidence in the case, including radar evidence of Wadsack's speed, Pettey's recording of her conversation with Wadsack and several minutes of audio on Schrage's bodycam footage.
    — Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of hide
Verb
  • With skies that never darken and days that never end, life on board slips into a new rhythm.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Asian stocks closed lower, European markets opened down, and S&P 500 futures slipped.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of slip
Verb
  • The rug lies flat without curling and is lightweight enough to easily move while cleaning.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 28 July 2025
  • The importance of the 141 million files, however, lies not in the overall number but in the data that is contained within.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of lie

Browse Nearby Words

luring
lurk
lurked
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Cite this Entry

“Lurk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurk. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of lurk for Spanish Speakers

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