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
Resistance to authoritarian creep thus becomes riskier and less likely to succeed. Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 The days when self-blame creeps back in are less frequent now. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025
Verb
Those are starting to creep into the mainstream. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026 What’s that warmth creeping over you? Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • For those with less-briny palates, a fine jerk chicken and a number of steak cuts are also available.
    Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Mike’s older sister, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), is our entry point to Hawkins High; a pretty striver, she’s recently been distracted from academics by a fling with popular jerk Steve Harrington (Joe Keery).
    Judy Berman, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Nobody wants to deal with our old devil, even if the new one comes with an encroaching open threat actively bubbling in the Caribbean and Latin America at large.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Gamers aren’t exactly optimistic about AI encroaching on the experience, especially amid deep confusion over how exactly developers and studios are looking to leverage the tech.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If Takaichi cannot enact the budget by the end of March, her government would have to compile a stop-gap budget, which could delay execution of spending measures.
    Reuters, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
  • For people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, delaying or not getting care could be fatal.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Now, Letts has brought Coon back to Broadway with the Main Stem debut of his 1996 play Bug, a skin-crawling portrayal of people on the fringes.
    Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
  • One team member crawled inside and fired paintballs filled with vegetable oil, wildlife organization BEAR League told Fox News Digital on Thursday.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • His arm was pinned into the back window of a car as a suspect sped away, dragging him across the pavement for about 100 yards, according to court documents.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At least one woman was dragged along the pavement as officers appeared to prepare additional crowd-control devices.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, however, the lingering impact of being dragged last summer is known only to the officer – who is said to be experienced, with more than 10 years of service as an ICE deportation officer, according to DHS.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Early next week, a brief warmup returns highs to the 30s before cooler air likely lingers deeper into mid-January.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Across the street, shoppers snake out of the iconic Louis Vuitton flagship store.
    Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
  • By noontime, the line snaked away from the entrance for several blocks.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The actress hasn't spoken publicly about her dating life, aside from a few TikTok videos poking fun at her singleness.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Continue reading … POLITICS POLITICAL THEATER – Vance reposts meme poking fun at Democrats' Jan 6 candlelight vigil.
    , FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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