1
as in sneaking
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 hiding
to remain out of sight
watch out for snakes lurking in the tall grass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lurking
The hackers also stole information about diplomatic issues, lurking undetected in some systems for months.
—
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Federal authorities said the man lurking behind the cyclone fence was Routh.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
And lots of history, with the ghosts of David Volek lurking.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Getty Images Wait one ding-dang second, do the Philadelphia Phillies actually have the next Elly De La Cruz lurking in the minors?
—Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
But there’s another, more recent point of comparison lurking just beneath the surface for much of the movie’s run.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
For Mitchell, the key was subtly introducing clues into the environment that hinted at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
But because of the below-freezing temperatures, there may still be patches of ice lurking.
—Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Is there something lurking in the woods?
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Federal authorities said the man lurking behind the cyclone fence was Routh.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
And lots of history, with the ghosts of David Volek lurking.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Getty Images Wait one ding-dang second, do the Philadelphia Phillies actually have the next Elly De La Cruz lurking in the minors?
—Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
But there’s another, more recent point of comparison lurking just beneath the surface for much of the movie’s run.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
For Mitchell, the key was subtly introducing clues into the environment that hinted at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
But because of the below-freezing temperatures, there may still be patches of ice lurking.
—Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Is there something lurking in the woods?
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
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The collection is made for sharing or sneaking a few self-love treats for yourself.—
Doris Alvarez Cea,
Florida Times-Union,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The squirrel even escaped its first capture, sneaking out from under the garment that was thrown on top of it.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both teens are hiding secrets; Johnny, a potentially devastating injury and Shannon, a troubled and violent homelife.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
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The discovery of unusually warm molecular hydrogen in these LLAGN is a testament to the unexpected complexity hiding in plain sight.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Defending champion Jakara Anthony of Australia finished eighth after slipping on the last run of the final.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Greenson breaks into Monroe's bedroom and finds the 36-year-old movie star lying naked, lifeless, face down on her bed, still clutching the telephone receiver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
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The poignant image is juxtaposed with flashbacks of them as children lying sweetly next to one another.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The sell-off comes alongside broader market woes, with tech stocks sliding and investors increasingly seeking shelter in old-school safe havens like gold and government bonds.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Dishes from other Olympic host cities Cortina will host women’s Alpine skiing, sliding sports (bobsled, luge and skeleton) and curling during the Games.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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