Definition of slinknext
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

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 But Daemon gets thrown from the saddle, and Caraxes allows Sheepstealer to escape or at least to slink off into the woods to die alone. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Claypool’s voice, formerly a sharp and declarative figure in the mix, slinks down into silty waters, often unintelligible and almost always emotionally ambiguous. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026 Video posted to social media shows a man slinking behind In-N-Out signs and shrubs, seeking out the source of the gunfire. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026 Why not just let Benton slink away, as others before him have done? — Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slink
Verb
  • However, even in situations where YCSE might appear ineligible, there is wiggle room that could allow Seyfried to sneak in.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • For a solid thirty minutes, the candidates defended their honor as the race’s most pro-Israel candidate — at times sneaking in jabs about their opponent.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But DeFalco is drawn to the sidewalk dwellers, street preachers and parking-lot boozers who also lurk down there and help (or hinder) Ten, usually at a loud volume.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Directed by Grammy Award-winning filmmaker James Mackel, the visual is three-and-a-half minutes of spy stuff, our hero, dressed to impress, making short work of the many villains who lurk in her hotel.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • John Turturro slipped into Madison Square Park and greeted a man sitting inconspicuously in a black coat and a fedora.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Everything else, so soft and smooth, slips through our grasp.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Under intense heat and continuous light, the chemical bonds slide apart.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The skater shot up the sides, yellow wheels sliding on the orange rim.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Slink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slink. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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