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
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Recent Examples of lurking
Chairs Vintage chairs are another unsung hero lurking in most charity shops.
—
Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
The Italian experimental duo creates a sprawling, overstimulating work that celebrates the kitsch lurking behind a wide array of musical forms.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
The gunmen had been lurking around nearby communities for about a week before the attack, according to a resident who asked not to be named for fear of his safety.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
The gunmen had been lurking around nearby communities for about a week before the attack, according to one resident who asked not to be named for fear of his safety.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Fed rate cuts can lead to a weaker dollar, but lurking in the background are concerns about the central bank losing its independence from political agendas.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 Jan. 2026
The data now suggest that more of these wild cats might be lurking deeper within the forest interior.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025
Even the cast members complain about the size of the cast while predicting an inevitable demise or two lurking in the next set of episodes.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2025
The Longhorns, Sooners, Miami and USC are among some of the higher-profile teams lurking on the fringe of the bracket, while schools such as Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Utah could still find a way to crash the party.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurking
Verb
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That's fine by Rodgers, who knows a thing or two about sneaking in the playoffs and going on a run.—
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Harry proposed 10 months later in November 2017, and the couple spent their first Sandringham Christmas together the next month before sneaking away to the French Riviera for New Year’s 2018.—
Verb
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The couple — who are now one of the most watched of the season thanks to their double awards show appearances — were not shy about hiding their romance amidst the stars at the 2026 Golden Globes.—
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Laundry Machines Both your washing machine and dryer can be used to stow laundry, as well as other items that need hiding.—
Verb
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Cizikas scored a short-handed goal to tie it 3-3 late in the second period, completing a 2-on-1 rush with Holmstrom by slipping the puck between Gustavsson's pads.—
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To keep a tension rod from slipping, look for rods that have rubber stoppers on the ends or that come with sticky wall brackets.—
Verb
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The fact that the video is available has not stopped Trump or members of his administration from lying about the heinous crime committed against a 37-year-old mother of three.—
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According to a transcript of the call, the friend found Spencer Tepe lying next to his bed in a puddle of blood.—
Verb
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Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
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Or are the Seminoles at risk of sliding into irrelevance if trips to the Gator Bowl become acceptable?—
Cite this Entry
“Lurking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurking. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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