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seep

1 of 2

verb

seeped; seeping; seeps
Synonyms of seepnext

intransitive verb

1
: to flow or pass slowly through fine pores or small openings : ooze
water seeped in through a crack
2
a
: to enter or penetrate slowly
… fear of nuclear war had seeped into the national consciousness.Tip O'Neill
b
: to become diffused or spread
… a sadness seeped through his being.Agnes S. Turnbull

seep

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a spot where a fluid (such as water, oil, or gas) contained in the ground oozes slowly to the surface and often forms a pool
b
: a small spring
2
seepy adjective

Examples of seep in a Sentence

Verb Blood was seeping through the bandage. The chemicals seeped into the ground.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
No matter how much Nino may try to detach their devotion for one another from the problems afflicting Lebanon, the turmoil seeps into their home, proving that even the most personal choices are inevitably tied to larger forces. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 4 Dec. 2025 One of the major questions heading into 2026 is how deeply politics will be allowed to seep through the corridors of the Federal Reserve. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
Its characters, chaos and color seep into their stories, reminding readers why so many creative journeys seem to begin (and return) here. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025 Mechanical problems, such as leaking engine seals, can let fumes from oil and hydraulic fluid seep into the cabin air. Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seep

Word History

Etymology

Verb

alteration of earlier sipe, from Middle English sipen, from Old English sipian; akin to Middle Low German sipen to seep

First Known Use

Verb

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of seep was in 1790

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Cite this Entry

“Seep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seep. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

seep

verb
ˈsēp
: to flow or pass slowly through small openings : ooze

More from Merriam-Webster on seep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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