creep 1 of 2

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
That creep factor, however, only added to the adventure element, although the highlights included more of the magical, such as the pink dolphins that never seemed too far away and the opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life along this massive, storied South American waterway. Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 21 Oct. 2025 Fascistic creep bubbles like lava through the crevices of America’s political and cultural substrata. Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
The water also caused her internal temperature to drop to a dangerously low level and hypothermia crept in. Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Discarded Halloween costumes always begin to slowly creep their way into the stocks—lingering at every corner, waiting to trick me with their bizarre allure. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • For Caribbean cuisine, stop by The Jerk Shack, where Chef Nicola Blaque channels a decade of Army discipline into flavorful jerk chicken and oxtail plates.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Gave the two jerks her very best.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now to see again, the third time, essentially, their desire to expand the freeway and encroach towards McCrorey Heights, is problematic.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The partnership was formed to address the invasive trees and shrubs encroaching on the natural grasslands in TNC's Folsom Point Preserve in Iowa, which is located just over 12 miles from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • A day earlier, flights were delayed at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, New Jersey’s Newark airport and Washington’s Reagan National Airport because of air traffic controller shortages.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • His discharge has been delayed due to his father’s detention.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ecologically, spiders are important predators of crawling insects.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This 2022 Netflix original documentary will have your skin crawling.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But efforts to drag the barge to the site via helicopter failed, with the icebreaker getting stuck in ice and mud.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • As negotiations have dragged on, moreover, Beijing’s appetite has grown.
    Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Place pheromone traps around your closet to capture any lingering moths.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The moon is glimmering, the veil between worlds is thin and there’s an air of mischief lingering in the shadows.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In its search for ample sunlight, the species tightly snakes up trees.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Debates have raged in the busy industry program, standby ticket queues have snaked outside venues for the hottest premieres and the stars — in their droves — have been out in force and on major charm offensives, with distributors using the fest to launch both awards and release campaigns.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense at UFC 321 ended in chaos after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes late in the first round.
    Antonio Losada, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Or use your finger, poking it about 2 inches into the soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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