sidled
Moved like crab
Sidled is the past tense of sidle, meaning to move sideways or obliquely, often in a furtive or unobtrusive manner.
The movement suggests caution, shyness, or an attempt not to draw attention: He sidled up to the bar and ordered a drink.
She sidled past the guard without making eye contact.
Move with stealth
- prowlRoam stealthily
- lurkHide while observing
- tiptoeWalk on foot-fronts
- skulkMove with secretive intent
slink · creep · shadow · stalk · ghost · slither · infiltrate · spy
Uncertain and provisional
- hesitantSlow to act
- waryGuardedly alert
- guardedWary and restrained
- carefulExercising caution and attention
apprehensive · circumspect · timid · nervous · gingerly · measured · watchful · discreet
Intentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
underhanded · cunning · sly · crafty · devious · guileful · scheming · artful
Not readily noticed
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- quietLacking in sound
low-key · unassuming · modest · unnoticeable · demure · reserved · tactful · restrained
sneak
Move with stealth
skulk · slink · creep · shadow · stalk · ghost · slither · infiltrate · spy · trail
shuffle
Randomize by mixing
creep · slip · glide · slink · scoot · shift · drift · maneuver · navigate · skirt
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
careful · apprehensive · circumspect · timid · nervous · gingerly · measured · watchful · discreet · uneasy
covert
Intentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- secretiveInclined to conceal
sneaky · underhanded · cunning · sly · crafty · devious · guileful · scheming · artful · wily
inconspicuous
Not readily noticed
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
quiet · low-key · unassuming · modest · unnoticeable · demure · reserved · tactful · restrained · self-effacing