Sneak: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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