sneak up

Definition of sneak upnext
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneak up
Verb
  • That September-like chill will persist Wednesday before temperatures creep up a few more degrees, but still remain a bit cooler than normal on Thursday.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
  • As higher tariff rates continue to creep up, stagflation and even a recession become likelier, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, told NBC News last week.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • After her disappearance tore his family apart, Cope was determined to rebuild his life but, twenty years later, the traumatic event returns to haunt him after the body of a man who was believed to have been murdered alongside Camille unexpectedly turns up.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Investigators reportedly turned up evidence suggesting that Han was advertising and providing massage services for a fee without a license through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, according to Spadjinske.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If these Knicks show up — the same Knicks who’ve made a mockery of the Hawks over the last two games — the series could be an encore performance from last season.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nuclear talks would come later, only after a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is lifted.
    Jon Herskovitz, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Being selected to play on Marist’s varsity as a freshman came with a caveat for Max DeHoyos.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Song arrives The Padres called up infielder Sung-Mun Song to fill the extra spot on their roster allowed when playing outside the United States.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Vikings will be banking on him and the rest of their new defensive line additions to maintain the performance that has anchored the defense since Flores arrived in 2023.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneak%20up. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster