skulk

Move through shadows

Skulk means to move stealthily or lurk in a concealed way, typically with sinister or cowardly intent.

Someone who skulks stays out of sight, often because they're up to no good or trying to avoid confrontation: I caught him skulking around the back entrance.

A skulk can also refer to a group of foxes, though this collective noun appears mainly in word lists rather than actual conversation.

The word carries connotations of sneakiness and furtiveness.

sneak

slink

Move furtively

creepStealthy, slow movement
prowlRoam stealthily
lurkHide while observing

tiptoe · sidle · steal · sly · furtive · stealthy · shadowy · slither · inch · glide

predator

hunt

Pursuit of quarry

prowlRoam stealthily
stalkPlant's vertical support
preyAnimal being hunted

pounce · ambush · track · nocturnal · cunning · wily · silent · patient · watchful · alert

loiter

linger

Stay beyond necessity

lurkHide while observing
hang backRemain behind others
waitDelay until later

hover · idle · loaf · dawdle · tarry · mill about · hang around · lie in wait · bide · watch

avoid

shirk

Evade one's obligations

evadeEscape by cunning
dodgeAvoid by quick movement
eludeSkillfully avoid capture

hide · escape · shun · duck · sidestep · circumvent · retreat · withdraw · disappear · vanish

group

foxes

Small wild canines

packGroup or compress
litterScattered waste or debris
denPrivate room or lair

burrow · vixens · cubs · earth · covert

skulk

slink

hunt

linger

shirk

foxes

skulk

Opposites

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