serpentlike

The river took a serpentlike path through the valley.

Definition

Adjective: resembling or characteristic of a serpent (a large snake); having the qualities of a snake, such as sinuosity, stealth, or cunning.

Usage Examples

• (Moving in a smooth, twisting way like a snake.)
• (A smile that is sly, cunning, or threatening, like a snake's.)
• (A twisting, winding course.)

Advanced Usage

• "serpentlike gaze": a fixed, hypnotic, or menacing stare.

  • The predator held its prey with a serpentlike gaze before striking. (An unblinking, intimidating look.)

• "serpentlike movements": fluid, sinuous, and often stealthy motions.

  • The ninja crept through the shadows with serpentlike movements. (Smooth, silent, and twisting motions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Serpent (n): a large snake; a treacherous person.
  • The serpent slithered into the grass. (A snake.)
• Serpentine (adj): of or resembling a serpent; winding; cunning.
  • The road took a serpentine route up the mountain. (Winding like a snake.)
• Serpiginous (adj): moving or spreading like a serpent; used in medicine for skin lesions.
  • The rash had a serpiginous border. (Spreading in a winding pattern.)

Synonyms

• Snakelike: directly resembling a snake.
  • Her snakelike hair writhed in the wind. (Twisting like a snake.)
• Sinuous: having many curves and turns.
  • The sinuous path led through the forest. (Winding and twisting.)
• Ophidian: relating to snakes (from Greek ).
  • The ophidian creature lay coiled. (Snake-like.)

Related Idioms

• "Serpent's tongue": a manner of speaking that is poisonous or deceitful.
  • She spoke with a serpent's tongue, spreading lies about her rival. (Malicious and cunning speech.)
• "Serpent in one's bosom": a person who betrays trust after being helped.
  • He was a serpent in my bosom, stealing from me after I fed him. (A treacherous ingrate.)