Word
sneaking
Phoneticssneak·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsnikɪŋ/
UK/snˈiːkɪŋ/
Definition
adj. a feeling or thought that you have quietly and that grows stronger over time. You use this when you suspect something is true but you are not completely sure yet.
adj. describes a persistent, growing, but often unverified feeling or suspicion. Typically used attributively to modify nouns like 'suspicion', 'feeling', or 'doubt'.
Examples
“I have a sneaking suspicion that she is lying to us.”
“Despite the positive reports, the manager had a sneaking feeling that the project would miss its deadline.”
“He could not shake the sneaking doubt that his success was due more to his family connections than to his own professional merit.”
Examples
simple
“I have a sneaking suspicion that she is lying to us.”
contextual
“Despite the positive reports, the manager had a sneaking feeling that the project would miss its deadline.”
complex
“He could not shake the sneaking doubt that his success was due more to his family connections than to his own professional merit.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used attributively, appearing immediately before the noun it modifies.
Pitfall
I am sneaking that he is right
I have a sneaking suspicion that he is right
In this sense, 'sneaking' is an adjective that must modify a noun; it cannot be used as a standalone verb to mean 'suspect'.
Real-World Examples
“It makes hiding bets by sneaking looks at a phone harder to pull off before you’ve drained your bank account.” “But they aren’t secretly drinking beer or planning on sneaking out.” Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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