skulked

Moved in shadows

Skulked is the past tense of skulk, meaning to move stealthily or lurk with sinister intent.

Someone who skulked kept to the shadows, avoided notice, or hung around furtively: He skulked in the alley, waiting for her to leave.

The word often implies cowardice or shame—slinking away rather than facing something directly.

movement

slink

Move furtively

creepStealthy, slow movement
sneakMove with stealth
prowlRoam stealthily

sidle · tiptoe · slink · slither · inch · snake · crawl · steal · pad · edge

manner

furtive

Secretive and sly

sneakyStealthily deceptive
surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
covertIntentionally concealed

stealthy · secretive · shifty · clandestine · guilty · ashamed · cowardly · evasive · wary · cautious

hiding

lurk

Hide while observing

hideConceal or pelt
concealKeep from being seen
crouchLow bent-knee stance

cower · withdraw · retreat · shrink · duck · shadow · hunker · disappear · vanish · blend

surveillance

stalk

Plant's vertical support

shadowLight blocked by object
tailRear animal appendage
trackPath or monitored route

follow · spy · watch · observe · trail · surveil · reconnoiter · scout · case · eavesdrop

Opposites

visibility and confidence of movement

skulkedstrutted

Walked with pompous gait

swaggered · marched · paraded · strode · pranced

intent and social presentation

skulkedstood tall

Maintained dignity or resolve

confronted · brazened · flaunted

Family

skulk, skulking, skulks, skulker, skulkers

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G