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
Artemis 2 rocket creeps along toward launch pad NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket, the second-ever Space Launch System booster, is slowly making progress along the 4-mile journey to its Florida pad at Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026 The disconnect may be blinding leaders to the first-hand experience of using AI, which is causing workload creep and cognitive overload, at least in current use cases. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
Also, don't expect one weeding session to get rid of creeping Charlie. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 Each time a cell divides, its DNA is copied, but mistakes inevitably creep in. Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • This was just the beginning of us young anarchists becoming judgmental jerks.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Dear Jay Norvell, try not to be a complete @#$&%# jerk.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But work can encroach on personal time if professionals are not careful.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Ward expense accounts have been a touchy area for mayoral administrations to encroach on in times of austerity.
    Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Congress allocated money for it, but billions of dollars were delayed due to the shutdown.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Bogey’s Image, ridden by Teddy Davies, appeared to win, only for a lengthy stewards’ inquiry to delay the result as spectators waited along the rails.
    Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another dealt with someone breaking up with her to get back with his ex, only to come crawling back.
    Brittany Levine Beckman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The town was crawling with boy band members, Mickey Mouse Clubbers and future Disney Channel stars.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In addition to being concerned about targeting, is there a sense from other people in the country that some Shias had brought this on themselves by supporting Hezbollah, and that Hezbollah dragged this country into the war?
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The paraeducator said Vaughn-Marcella allegedly grabbed the boy’s feet and dragged him 10 to 12 feet out of the classroom, according to the affidavit.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Its slow pace raised concerns about how long the storm would linger in the region, and the amount of damage that could cause.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • His remarks came as uncertainty still lingers about how long the Iran war would last.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This climbing plant is long and slender, snaking up trellises and winding around pergolas.
    Claudia Guthrie, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026
  • As rain poured on the northern provinces of Iran in late March, a somber crowd snaked through the mountain ranges of Asara carrying the coffin of Mohammad Reza Kia.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Officers poked a hole in the bag and found the elder Ordonez's body.
    Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • France has one of the highest top income tax rates in the European Union and Briere’s treatment sparked a flurry of social media commentary in France, with some poking fun at the taxman’s pursuit of the government’s dues.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 17 Apr. 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