creep 1 of 2

noun

Definition of creepnext
as in jerk
a person whose behavior is offensive to others finally found the creep who kept throwing his trash in the woods

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

creep

2 of 2

verb

ˈkrēp How to pronounce creep (audio)
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

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2
as in to delay
to move or act slowly that Friday afternoon we were just creeping, waiting for the bell to sound so that we could start the long weekend

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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4
as in to drag
to move slowly the class hour seems to creep by

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
As summer wraps up and fall creeps in, the sharks return south. — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026 Or maybe the steady, unobtrusive creep of conservatism has been the idea all along. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
As the temperature drops and winter dryness inevitably creeps in, this luxe, delectable formula will serve as your skin savior. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026 As floodwaters surged across parts of southwest Colorado, turning roads into rivers and forcing evacuations, one Durango-area woman spent the night watching the water creep closer to her home. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
  1. jerk
  2. encroach
  3. delay
  4. crawl
  5. drag
  6. dog
  7. linger
  8. snake
Noun
  • Its patented HeadCatch Technology helps prevent the all-too-familiar nod, jerk and repeat cycle that makes sleeping upright such a challenge.
    — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026
  • As Walter, Carman Lacivita has to be a pompous jerk for a lot of this play then must soften for scenes of genuine compassion and personal growth.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • The result is a political system in which a president can act in ways that may violate federal law, undermine democratic norms and encroach on Congress’ constitutional authority.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The buzzer sounded and Banchero encroached on Johnson’s space before Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu tried to break them apart.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of encroach
Verb
  • The resort delayed its opening by a few days to allow for more snowmaking, and a few intermediate runs will be open beginning tomorrow.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Chicago Board of Elections spokesperson Julie Metea said final results are delayed because of a surge of 34,000 same-day voter registrations Tuesday.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of delay
Verb
  • The Spurs jumped on Buzelis from the first pass of the second half, crawling up into his space and launching quick doubles that left the wing reeling for the remainder of the game.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Seeing people scratching and crawling to win life-changing money.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of crawl
Verb
  • Multiple videos show agents smash her car window, drag her out and carry her face down by her arms and legs through the street while handcuffed.
    — Beret Leone, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • While the rest of Australia struggled with lockdown and tight regulations that dragged on, Queensland fared generally well, with looser rules and relatively low numbers of cases after the initial shutdowns.
    — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of drag
Noun
  • The retail giant won a new trial in the case of a woman who had been awarded a nearly $1 million verdict after slipping and falling on a liquid in the dog food aisle of a store in Valdosta.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ask to see the set that still remains—just watch out for the grumpy resident dog, who is best admired from afar.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • The result is a thick haze that can linger over the capital and surrounding areas for days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The results raised long-standing concerns over the quality of work and whether the lingering contamination could present risks to the residents.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of linger
Verb
  • Accompanying 48-hour pop-ups took place in October at two of Ulta Beauty’s LA outposts — Santa Monica and Westwood — resulting in snaking queues and surpassing sales targets by more than 62%, according to Miller.
    — Ella Graveney, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026
  • London installed granite rumble strips in Hyde Park, raised crosswalks across bike lanes at bus stops, and ran snaking paths through Van Gogh Walk in Brixton.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of snake

Phrases Containing creep

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creeks
creep
creeper
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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on creep

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about creep

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