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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Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Regrettably, the catchy moniker has slinked into our vocabulary, and we are seemingly stuck with it. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Now, as hunting pressure ramps up, bucks are slinking deeper into thick cover. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024 Taking the stage in a baby-blue leotard — surrounded by a full band and back-up singers dressed in white — the 25-year-old pop star served up silky vocals and perky choreography before slinking over to Fallon’s interview set-up, taking his spinning chair for a ride and laying across his desk. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024 On the final stretch into the town, fruit sellers latched onto the sides, vendors perched in the doorways, and school kids rode a few meters before slipping down and slinking off towards their homes. Monisha Rajesh, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slink 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slink
Verb
  • Sometimes, he's gotten invited to inaugural balls; other times, he's been able to sneak in.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
  • And with a personal training certification and a degree in kinesiology, a wellness focus often sneaks into many aspects of my personal and professional life.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The only difference is that modern spies do not need to lurk around corners, listening through doors.
    Steve Durbin, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Beyond Stephens, there’s a good bit of quality lurking in Sabalenka’s neighborhood of the draw.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.06% — tech stocks like Palantir, Advanced Micro Devices and Micro Strategy had a rough day — but that’s still close to the flatline and not a precipitous drop.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Former unicorn Farfetch, which slipped into administration in late 2023, is being revamped under its new owner Coupang.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But the gimmicky mini controller that slides out, Transformer-style, for gaming on the go is too small and hard to grip comfortably.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Starting with Venus sliding into enchanting Pisces on Jan. 2 — where the love planet exalts and thrives — this sweet synergy brings all the romance and feels to the forefront.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near slink

Cite this Entry

“Slink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slink. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slink

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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