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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Sneak” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

To go somewhere quietly and carefully so that people do not notice you; to do something without letting others know.

IPA: /sniːk/Level: B2Register: neutralPart of speech: verb

Meaning of Sneak

To move quietly and secretly to avoid being seen or heard.

How to Pronounce Sneak

IPA: /sniːk/ Stress: O

Rhymes with 'peak' and 'speak'. The 'ea' makes a long 'ee' sound, not a short 'e'.

Full pronunciation guide for sneak →

4 Synonyms for Sneak — Words Similar to Sneak

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

slip

/slɪp/
verb A2

Slide accidentally or move quietly and secretly.

Example: Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.

steal

/stiːl/
verb A2

To take something that is not yours without asking or paying.

Example: It is wrong to steal from shops.

Smart Synonyms for Sneak — When to Use Each

creep

move slowly, often on hands/knees

slip

move smoothly and quickly away

tiptoe

walk quietly on the tips of toes

Antonyms of Sneak — Opposite Words

How to Use Sneak and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The cat sneaked into the garden to hunt birds. A2
  • She sneaked a look at her friend's answers during the test. B1
  • The thief snuck past the security guard without being detected. B2

Common Word Choice Mistakes with Sneak

Not natural: They sneaked the supplies in.

Better: They snuck the supplies in.

Both past forms correct; 'snuck' is more informal and common in American English

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Sneak

What is another word for "sneak"?

Common synonyms for "sneak" include: creep, slip, tiptoe, steal.

What can I say instead of "sneak"?

Try one of these alternatives: creep, slip, tiptoe, steal. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "sneak" formal or informal?

"sneak" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "sneak" instead of "creep"?

Use "sneak" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "creep" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "sneak"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "sneak" include: announce, reveal.

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