crawl 1 of 2

Definition of crawlnext
1
as in to creep
to move slowly with the body close to the ground the time we had to crawl through a narrow passageway from one cave to another

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2
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4
as in to burst
to be copiously supplied something must be up, as city hall is crawling with reporters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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crawl

2 of 2

noun

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 crawl
Verb
In response to shouts for everyone to get down, one administration official at a media table crawled under it, with just her high heels poking out. Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 Rather than crawling through the living room doggie door, Maxwell sleeps in one of the former cells, with easy outdoor access, and his own garden. Eric Adler april 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
Alongside the lack of personnel, some vital functions have slowed to a crawl. Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 As the third quarter rolled along, the game slowed to a crawl, with both schools struggling to gain momentum offensively. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crawl
Verb
  • Win it, and suddenly the series tightens, the doubt creeps in and the path gets a lot more complicated for Orlando.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • For another easy-to-care-for choice that relishes sunlight, look to creeping juniper and its beautifully hazy blue-green leaves.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the Iran war drags on, concerns over rising gas prices and other costs have ballooned, sending consumer sentiment plummeting.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • But now, in a last-ditch attempt to save the whale, a team has loaded Timmy onto a specialized barge to essentially drag it to the North Sea.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The fight, though, kept getting delayed.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • Plans were reportedly delayed after Kate’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, but with her now in remission and feeling better, a tour is once again on the table.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • The site’s sale section is always bursting with steep markdowns, but this month’s assortment is beyond impressive.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
  • Many people are hoping—nay, praying—that the potential AI bubble will burst soon.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Border Patrol agent Charles Exum shot her five times following a traffic crash in the 3900 block of South Kedzie Avenue.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Pop star Britney Spears has been charged with suspicion of DUI in connection to a March 4 traffic incident in California.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Attendees began lining up outside the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena hours before the event and as the start time ticked closer, the line snaked far down the sidewalk and began wrapping around the dome where the University of Idaho football team plays.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Then in 2022, Rich Strike got into the field only because another horse withdrew the day before and snaked through the home stretch to win at odds longer than 80-1.
    NBC news, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When Andrei Vasilevskiy tried to poke the puck away, Bolduc had moved so deep into the crease area that the puck went off him and into the net for his first career playoff goal.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While coverage is expected to be more scattered, isolated strong to severe storms could still produce hail and gusty winds, particularly where daytime heating and lingering boundaries overlap.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The two men dined at a table alone, lingering long after all other diners had dispersed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crawl. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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