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
Fences and landscaping creeps can cause small misunderstandings that quickly grow into legal disputes. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 Capitalistic creep is overtaking live events. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Verb
Dassault’s Mirage fighter – and more recently the Rafale – can creep into enemy airspace, dogfight, drop bombs and launch cruise missiles. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Humidity creeps back into the picture on Sunday with highs in the low 90s, increasing clouds and brisk southwest winds ahead of a strong cold front. Tammie Souza, CBS News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • This Jamaican restaurant, located just off Main Street, brings Caribbean flavors to Mackinac Island’s solid rotation of restaurants, with planked whitefish and jerk chicken sandwiches.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
  • After Game 4, jerks were throwing things at Victor Wembanyama.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Brian Crawford and his wife Laura helped form the nonprofit, Protect the Paluxy Valley, to fight against encroaching development impacting the rural area.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
  • The informal gathering is typically off to the side in the back of the arena, with media members milling around but not encroaching on their space.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Onlookers were festive and chatty amid thunderstorms that threatened to delay the work.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • The Friday night news conference at the Lincoln Memorial was delayed for about an hour because of lightning.
    Dan Gelston, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • As pests crawl through it, its jagged edges scrape their exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
  • For cybersecurity companies, identifying a digital agent crawling a website used to be enough evidence of malicious activity.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • As the conflict in the Middle East has dragged on, pressure has been building on Capitol Hill to intervene.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • In an unprecedented moved in May, Lebanon filed a formal complaint against Iran at the United Nations Security Council, directly accusing Tehran of violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations for interfering in its sovereign decisions and dragging the country into war.
    Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The parasite has the cattle and dairy industry on edge, but in Mexico, screwworm has also been found in bears, pigs, goats, and even dogs and cats.
    John Lauritsen, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Marseille said the dog was always with her sister or nephew.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Granted, none of them linger long enough to make a lasting impact, either.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • His latest album, Infinite Black Inside, is a thorough exploration of the ideas—evasive rhythmic switch-ups, jazz melodies, busy textural interactions—that have often lingered in the margins of his more functional output.
    H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Longtime stores and newer spots at destinations like The Strip District Terminal are bringing extra staff, extending hours and stocking up for busy weekends when sidewalks are shoulder-to-shoulder, and lines snake out the doors.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • In certain soaring drone shots, the Gobi’s dry, greige sprawl looks like nothing so much as the surface of another planet, at least until it’s disrupted by snaking manmade infrastructure and drab light industry.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on creep

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster