sneak

If you go somewhere quietly and secretly, you try to avoid being noticed.

• We can sneak out tonight.
• She sneaked into the room without waking anyone.
• Did you sneak past the sleeping dog?

How to use it: sneak into/out of somewhere (He sneaked into the kitchen.); sneak past someone/something (We tried to sneak past the guard.)

Similar words: creep, slip

Common phrases: sneak into somewhere, sneak out, sneak past someone, sneak away

To take something secretly, hoping nobody notices.

• I sneaked a cookie.
• She sneaks sweets from the cupboard.
• Did you sneak another piece of cake?

How to use it: sneak something from somewhere (He sneaked a biscuit from the tin.)

Similar words: pilfer, filch

Common phrases: sneak a cookie, sneak a bite, sneak some chocolate

Done secretly so that other people do not notice.

• I took a sneak peek.
• She had a sneak look at the answers.
• He stole a sneak glance at the hidden gift.

Similar words: secret, furtive

Common phrases: sneak peek, sneak look, sneak glance

Shown or offered before something becomes available to everyone.

• We saw a sneak preview.
• Fans received a sneak look at the new game.
• The cinema arranged a sneak screening before the official release.

Similar words: advance

Common phrases: sneak preview, sneak look

Someone who moves or acts secretly to get something or learn private information.

• You are such a sneak!
• That sneak read my private letters.
• We caught the little sneak listening outside the door.

Similar words: snoop

Common phrases: a little sneak, such a sneak

Someone who tricks people to get money or another advantage.

• That sneak took my money.
• The sneak sold us worthless tickets.
• Do not trust that sneak with your savings.

Similar words: cheat, swindler

Common phrases: a dishonest sneak, that greedy sneak