slinking
Sneaking around quietly
Slinking is the present participle of slink, describing movement that is stealthy, furtive, or ashamed.
A cat slinks through tall grass stalking prey.
A person caught doing something embarrassing slinks away.
The word suggests trying not to be noticed, whether from predatory intent or shame: She saw him slinking out the back door.
Plant's vertical support
- prowlRoam stealthily
- huntPursuit of quarry
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- pounceSudden attack leap
shadow · track · prey · pursue · crouch · lie in wait · circle · close in
Stealthily deceptive
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- guiltyResponsible for wrongdoing
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
surreptitious · underhanded · shifty · hidden · inconspicuous · cloak-and-dagger · veiled · undercover
Feeling guilt and disgrace
- guiltyResponsible for wrongdoing
- embarrassedSelf-consciously uncomfortable
- humiliatedMade to feel worthless
- sheepishEmbarrassed and timid
cowering · defeated · chastened · disgraced · retreating · skulking · crestfallen · hangdog
Avoiding by moving aside
- avoidingDeliberately staying clear
- slipping awayGradually leaving or diminishing
- escapingDeparting confinement hastily
- retreatingMoving back from advance
withdrawing · ducking · sidestepping · disappearing · vanishing · fleeing · making oneself scarce · lying low
creep
Stealthy, slow movement
lurk · tiptoe · glide · skulk · slither · slide · pad · stalk · inch · worm
stalk
Plant's vertical support
pounce · shadow · track · prey · pursue · crouch · lie in wait · circle · close in · feline
sneaky
Stealthily deceptive
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- guiltyResponsible for wrongdoing
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
covert · surreptitious · underhanded · shifty · hidden · inconspicuous · cloak-and-dagger · veiled · undercover · camouflaged
ashamed
Feeling guilt and disgrace
- guiltyResponsible for wrongdoing
- embarrassedSelf-consciously uncomfortable
- humiliatedMade to feel worthless
sheepish · cowering · defeated · chastened · disgraced · retreating · skulking · crestfallen · hangdog · subdued
dodging
Avoiding by moving aside
- avoidingDeliberately staying clear
- slipping awayGradually leaving or diminishing
- escapingDeparting confinement hastily
retreating · withdrawing · ducking · sidestepping · disappearing · vanishing · fleeing · making oneself scarce · lying low · keeping distance