creep 1 of 2

Definition of creepnext

creep

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to encroach
to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits water crept slowly over the top of the tub and onto the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to crawl
to move slowly with the body close to the ground the kitten crept silently across the floor before suddenly pouncing on the mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of creep
Noun
Ad dollars are crucial as the cost of staging the tournament creeps ever upwards. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 2026 That reserve goes against the maximalist creep of the past decade or so. Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
While Chavez was a controversial figure even in his own era, a dark shadow crept over his legacy as reactions began pouring in Wednesday, after one of his strongest allies, Dolores Huerta, 96, posted a statement on her foundation’s website accusing him of rape. Ryan Carter, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026 But in her last year of her 30s, a nagging thought crept into her mind. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • Dishes like jerk chicken and rice and beans cooked in coconut milk reflect the region’s deep Jamaican and British colonial influences that are distinctive from other parts of Costa Rica.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Highlights include crab cakes, Napoleon, jerk chicken and waffles, lobster rolls, Florida Croque Madame, oxtail pasta, coquito French toast, tiramisu and more.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those rapid-fire changes have prompted advocates to sound the alarm — and sue the Justice Department — arguing that the new rules encroach on due process in the country’s immigration courts.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • When Mays retired last season and Antoine Thompson was hired, Graham stepped away, not wanting to encroach on the new head coach’s time.
    Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Two weeks ago, flights in the DC metro region were delayed due to a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The incident triggered ground stops, with flights delayed or held for extended periods.
    De'Anthony Taylor, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But they are really designed and developed to crawl over and destroy everything.
    Joel Feder, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Maritime trade is crawling at Georgia’s ports, but the state authority that operates the nation’s third-busiest cargo terminals isn’t throttling back its expansion efforts.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That said, its opposition to severe Pluto presses against your dependable 6th house, potentially dragging you away from rest.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Transportation Security Administration may have to shut down operations at some airports if the budget impasse drags on, the agency’s acting head said yesterday, even as record wait times for travelers did little to end the standoff over the funding fight in Congress.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Continue on to The Shed Distillery, where Drumshanbo gin is distilled among forest-edge botanicals; the tasting room and café are worth lingering in.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • For many in South Florida, the possibility of compensation remains uncertain — with major questions lingering over eligibility, funding, and whether any agreement would require significant political concessions.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • To accommodate the mass of passengers, the line snakes through baggage claim and around the terminal.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
  • By the time the Bay Area’s newest H Mart opened Thursday morning, the line to get in numbered hundreds of customers and snaked around the massive building in Dublin.
    Shae Hammond, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The nurturing Moon pokes Mars today, drawing attention to your 2nd House of Objects and your 11th House of Groups.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Leah pokes her head out around his legs, her eyes wild with excitement.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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