creep 1 of 2

Definition of creepnext
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
The magnificence of the AI renaissance has blinded our society to its pernicious creep into the arts. David Barber, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 Also that killer choreography remains a surprisingly effective tool against creeps. Lisa Whittington-Hill, Longreads, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Oklahoma gasoline prices on the rise Aside from diesel, regular unleaded gasoline is also creeping upward. Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 11 Sep. 2026 The days may still be warm, but pumpkin spice everything is beginning to creep back into our lives as fall descends. Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • According to children’s program manager Fedeline Julien, who has worked for Beaches since 1999, the area where Treasure Beach stands used to be dedicated to beach parties, team member residences, and the jerk truck.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In late August, Mayor Mamdani hosted a celebration of Caribbean culture at Gracie Mansion with plenty of patties and jerk chicken to go around.
    Reshma B, VIBE.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Uber Technologies will lay off about 3,300 employees, or 10% of staff, in its largest cuts since the COVID-19 pandemic, to better navigate the rise of robotaxis encroaching on its ride-hailing business.
    Akash Sriram, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But what do athletes think of robots not only encroaching on their turf, but surpassing their achievements?
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Some of that January increase reflects workers who secured jobs during the final months of the previous year but delayed their start dates.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pouring billions of dollars into developing a domestic tech ecosystem under his Vision 2030 program, even as some mega-projects are delayed.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Suki, who had been with her new family only a few weeks, had crawled into an opening in an entertainment center cabinet and could not get out.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
  • And the weirdness of the blue, blue sky above, while hundreds of men crawl around like ants on the rubble.
    Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And my sister dragged me to Loulu, the café-market with an Erewhon collaboration and Cosmic Bliss soft-serve, a lovely afternoon fix for those of us on the East Coast without an Erewhon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Potelle’s home — like many others’ — remains contaminated as disputes with her insurance company drag on.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • My therapy dog and I accompanied grieving families to ground zero in the days following the attacks.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Above and below the main narrative of the Bayeux Tapestry are two strips filled with ancient beasts, including tail-chasing dogs and tightly knotted swans.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Still, there was a cloud of public doubt lingering over the event.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The afterburn of his relationship with Charleson lingers affectingly, though.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And the talk drew far and away the longest lines of the festival, snaking around four city blocks an hour before showtime.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The crew use three tiers of flame bars behind Howell to spark the inferno that will snake through prom, fueled by the growing intensity of Carrie’s powers.
    Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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