creak 1 of 2

noun

Definition of creaknext
as in scratch
a harsh grating sound the creak of a floorboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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creak

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to groan

Related Words
2
as in to squeak

Related Words

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 creak
Noun
The durable metal is also rust-resistant, and reviews say that despite its metal frame, creaks and squeaks are minimal. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 Prairie grasses and bonnet strings whip in the wind as the creak of wagon wheels carries across the rippling grassland. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
Verb
Here in Fort America, the walls creak, then something smashes onto the roof. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Economic growth is anemic, taxes are high, public services are creaking and successive governments have been unable to stem the flow of migrants who wash up on the English Channel coast in inflatable boats. — Danica Kirka, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for creak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creak
  1. scratch
  2. groan
  3. squeak
  4. scrape
  5. whine
  6. crackle
  7. rasp
  8. moan
Noun
  • But the scariest shocker was the resurrection of Devin Singletary, a healthy scratch in Weeks 3-5.
    — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Officers immediately responding to a citizen’s call found scratch marks above the store’s front door and the males gone, police said.
    — Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of scratch
Verb
  • Working again with the vast Northeastern producer group $$$–almost all of whom are individually credited on, like, every track–Bank$ and his preacher friend talk to God over spare keys and groaning nautical machinery.
    — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
  • It's been a big few months for Austin Abrams moaning and groaning his way through some of the worst situations imaginable.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of groan
Verb
  • Enacted in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act squeaked through the Senate only through a tiebreaking vote cast by Vice President Kamala Harris.
    — Kayla Morton, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
  • His three goals against the Canucks proved to be the difference, too, as the Cats needed every bit of Brady's offensive prowess to squeak out a 3-2 victory in overtime.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeak
Noun
  • Cuts and scrapes on the nonstick surface can cause it to chip or flake off, exposing the metal during cooking.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Missouri researcher has captured and analyzed hundreds of thousands of trail-camera images over the years, with many of the best shots coming at scrapes doctored with a variety of scents and lures.
    — Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of scrape
Verb
  • Unlike last year when Texas coach Steve Sarkisian whined about his non-conference schedule, his main complaint this year will be his conference schedule.
    — Mac Engel October 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This contract then frees me, within the pages of the notebook, to do anything—to write or draw, or paint, to whine and complain, to plot and scheme—to fail or succeed without fear.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • Champagne corks popped, fireworks crackled and motorbike engines revved to mosquito pitch.
    — Guy De Launey, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond that sky-high point, Jocelyn Bioh’s 2017 comedy still crackles.
    — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of crackle
Noun
  • The lower and mid frequencies are clear here, which plays nicely into Callahan’s baritone vocals, though some of the rasp is lacking.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Use a rasp and grate a couple of tablespoons right into the raw meat mixture before mixing.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of rasp
Verb
  • It's been a big few months for Austin Abrams moaning and groaning his way through some of the worst situations imaginable.
    — Megan McCluskey, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • For a cold moment the silence locked a grip on our table, though it was broken, at the edges, by the golf commentators moaning and harrumphing, Rory McIlroy having had a canary on a seventeenth fairway somewhere this championship Sunday.
    — Kevin Barry, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of moan

Phrases Containing creak

Browse Nearby Words

crazy quilts
creak
creak (along)
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Cite this Entry

“Creak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creak. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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