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
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Recent Examples of slinkThe empire’s forces just had to wait out the winter as the patriots slinked back south.—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025 But for now, museum members could slink about the echoing halls of L.A.’s newest landmark and ponder the possibilities.—August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 The Hard Work of Sea Cucumbers There are over 1,000 species of sea cucumbers slinking along seafloors all across the world.—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2025 As Musashi slinks forward, wounded villagers run past him, warning of the dangers ahead.—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for slink
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.
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