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
There is also the risk of function creep. Calvin Yadav, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 No doubt many creeps of the bracket were resented along the way. Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026
Verb
The Waffle House waitress said the building’s management was inattentive to a raft of deeper issues, from sewage backups that crept into her bathtub to mold and a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026 Yes, the guys, especially the dentist (ick) and the icky bride-shopping commanders are creeping and disturbing. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • His profession is to be the screaming jerk on reality shows, and his house burns down.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
  • These measurements enabled scientists to identify sudden changes linked to the Pacific reversal and a geomagnetic disturbance known as the 2017 geomagnetic jerk.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Immersive experiences like Meow Wolf, Activate Games, or the Sphere in Las Vegas are also encroaching, offering visitors something truly novel (no offense to funnel cakes).
    HubSpot, HubSpot, 1 June 2026
  • In Kalokol, a major fishing community on the lake's western shore, many have now been displaced three times as the waters continue to encroach.
    Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Wembanyama has allowed Robinson to delay his decision-making.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • The game was delayed 1 hour, 7 minutes due to rain and lightning.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • While some political observers are brushing off speculation that a deluge of ballots could allow Steyer to crawl into the top two, conservative activists are keeping a close watch.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The next day, with water levels having dropped inside the cave, the remaining four men caught rescuers by surprise, crawling out on their own just as divers were getting ready to go in and get them.
    Janis Mackey Frayer, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The weakness spread across the sector, dragging the VanEck Semiconductor ETF down more than 1%, while Arm Holdings lost over 4% and Micron Technology slid nearly 8%.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 5 June 2026
  • Before long, security surrounded the former fan favorite and dragged him out of the arena in handcuffs as stunned fans watched.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • But behind the courteous gesture, there are lingering concerns of how overtourism might impact Ishigaki’s rich natural environment and potentially overwhelm its infrastructure, concerns that extend to other neighboring remote islands.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Many guests and patrons are regulars, lingering over martinis as a fireplace crackles in the background.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Photos and a video Aiello provided show bladed wire snaking around the decomposing animal’s neck and curved horns, as well as the front legs, in a desert landscape dotted with boulders.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • The concept is sure to be alluring to many travelers, as snaking lines from March’s government shutdown still loom large in fliers’ collective memories and summer vacation crowds begin to throng terminals.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch Johnny Carson poke fun at everyone, identify and support up-and-coming comics, entertain with clever and timeless skits, bring on musical guests and tell jokes.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • Even Parsons himself poked fun at such notions.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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