Thesaurus results for SLINK

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

Some common synonyms of slink are lurk , skulk , and sneak . While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention. // slunk around the corner

Q: When is 'lurk' a more appropriate choice than 'slink'?

While the synonyms lurk and slink are close in meaning, lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent. // suspicious men lurking in alleyways

Q: When might 'skulk' be a better fit than 'slink'?

In some situations, the words skulk and slink are roughly equivalent. However, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent. // something skulking in the shadows

Q: When can 'sneak' be used instead of 'slink'?

The synonyms sneak and slink are sometimes interchangeable, but sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods. // sneaked out early

slink

verb

ˈsliŋk

Definition of slink

as in to sneak

to move about in a sly or secret manner like a thief slinking about in the middle of the night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word slink distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slink are lurk, skulk, and sneak. While all these words mean "to behave so as to escape attention," slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

When is lurk a more appropriate choice than slink?

While the synonyms lurk and slink are close in meaning, 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 slink?

In some situations, the words skulk and slink are roughly equivalent. However, skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

When can sneak be used instead of slink?

The synonyms sneak and slink are sometimes interchangeable, 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 slink At night, guard dogs and surveillance teams monitor the grounds year-round, because catastrophe at Wimbledon comes in the form of a two-foot-long fox slinking onto a court and marking its territory. — Nick Pachelli, Time, 11 July 2026 The doubts that surrounded this team have slunk away, one by one, replaced by reasons for optimism. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The sumptuous production, directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson with solidarity for Cleage’s characters, provides a marvelous showcase for Woodward to slink around on Beowulf Boritt’s glamorous five-star set in costume designer Emilio Sosa’s inspired Pucci-esque outfits. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Trump has had to slink back to Washington without much to show except empty talk about friendship with whatever dictator has just run circles around him. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for slink

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slink

Verb

Police are investigating a rash of incidents involving people sneaking out of sewers.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
And new species join the party regularly, as bad pet owners release their charges into the wild or stowaways sneak in from far-off countries.

— Alex Harris August 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of sneak

Verb

The former Syracuse standout, who starred during the preseason, immediately slides in as Malik Willis’ backup.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
In addition, the crossguard had to be wide enough to prevent the user's hand from sliding onto the blade by accident.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of slide

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slings

slink

slinking

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“Slink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slink. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of slink

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