Definition

Adjective: 1. Resembling a snake in form or movement: Having the long, thin, winding, or sinuous physical shape or the gliding motion characteristic of a snake. 2. Sinuous, winding, or twisting: Having curves or bends like a snake's body; not straight.

Usage

• Used to describe physical objects, paths, or lines that are long, thin, and curved.
• Can describe movements that are smooth, gliding, and seemingly limbless.
• Often carries a connotation of being sly, treacherous, or dangerous, similar to cultural perceptions of snakes.

Examples

• The gardener created a snakelike pattern with the hose on the lawn.
• A snakelike procession of cars wound its way up the mountain road.
• The river took a snakelike course through the valley.
• The dancer moved with a snakelike grace, her arms weaving through the air.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Can describe something that is deceitful or insinuating in a way reminiscent of a snake.
  • He spoke with a snakelike charm, convincing them against their better judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Snaky (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "snakelike," often used interchangeably. Can sometimes imply more negative qualities like meanness or treachery.
  • He gave her a snaky smile.
• Serpentine (adjective): A more formal synonym, often used for things that wind like a snake. Also the name of a mineral with a green, spotted appearance.
  • They followed the serpentine path through the woods.

Synonyms

• Sinuous: Having many curves and turns.
• Winding: Having a twisting or spiral course.
• Serpentine: Resembling a snake or serpent in form; winding and turning.
• Meandering: Following a winding and turning course.

Antonyms

• Straight
• Direct
• Linear

Related Phrases & Idioms

• Snake in the grass: A deceitful or treacherous person. (While not using "snakelike," this idiom shares the metaphorical root.)
  • Be careful of him; he's a real snake in the grass.

Adjective

1. resembling a serpent in form
   • a serpentine wall
   • snaky ridges in the sand