Sneak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sneak

[sniːk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a stealthy manner

To move quietly and secretly in order to avoid being noticed or detected. It often involves trying to hide one's presence or intentions.

Synonyms

creep, slink, slip, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sneak	Best for describing someone moving quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed, often for a mischievous purpose. She managed to sneak into the room without anyone noticing. He tried to sneak a cookie from the jar.
creep	Used when someone or something moves slowly and quietly, often in a way that causes discomfort or fear. The spider began to creep across the floor. She felt a chill as she watched the stranger creep closer.
slip	Refers to moving quickly and quietly, often to avoid being caught or seen. She managed to slip out of the house unnoticed. He slipped the letter into her bag.
steal	Used when someone moves in a very quiet and secretive manner, typically with the intention of taking something without permission or getting away without being seen. She stole a glance at the handsome stranger. He tried to steal away during the party.
slink	Describes moving smoothly and quietly with an air of guilt or shame. He slinked out of the room after being caught. The cat slinked through the grass.

Examples of usage

He tried to sneak past the guard without being seen.
She sneaked into the house while everyone was asleep.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person who behaves in a deceitful or underhanded way.

Synonyms

informant, snitch, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sneak	Often used to describe someone who moves or acts quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed. This word can also be used negatively to describe someone who secretly informs on others or does something underhandedly. She managed to sneak into the concert without a ticket \nNo one trusts him because he's known as a sneak who tells on his friends
traitor	Used to describe someone who betrays their country, cause, or friends. This word has a very strong negative connotation and indicates a serious betrayal. Benedict Arnold is infamous as a traitor during the American Revolutionary War \nHe felt like a traitor for abandoning his team at the last minute
informant	Typically used in a formal or legal context to describe someone who provides information, especially to law enforcement or journalists. This word generally doesn't carry a strong negative connotation. The police relied on the informant for inside information on the gang's activities \nThe journalist's story was confirmed by an anonymous informant
snitch	A slang term used negatively to describe someone who betrays others by revealing confidential information, especially to authorities. This word is often used in informal situations and carries a strong negative connotation. Nobody likes a snitch who tells the teacher everything \nHe was labeled a snitch after he told the police about the robbery

Examples of usage

Don't trust him, he's a sneak.
She's such a sneak, always gossiping behind people's backs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'sneak'

The word 'sneak' originated in the late 16th century and is believed to have derived from the Middle Low German word 'snēken', meaning to creep or crawl stealthily. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the idea of moving quietly or deceptively to avoid detection.

See also: sneakers, sneakily, sneakiness, sneaking, sneaky.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,413, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15410 domiciled
15411 prerequisites
15412 inertial
15413 sneak
15414 squirrels
15415 allele
15416 luminosity
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