What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lurk
Example
The thief was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike. [lurking: verb]
Example
A sense of unease lurked in the back of her mind throughout the day. [lurked: past tense]
Example
Danger lurks around every corner in this city. [lurks: present tense]
sneak
Example
He tried to sneak out of the house without waking his parents. [sneak: verb]
Example
She took a sneak peek at the test answers when the teacher wasn't looking. [sneak: noun]
Example
He's always trying to sneak his way out of trouble. [sneak: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sneak is more commonly used than lurk in everyday language. Sneak is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lurk is less common and has a more specific meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lurk and sneak?
Both lurk and sneak are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation or writing. However, lurk may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with suspense or mystery genres.
