CREEPING Synonyms: 179 Similar and Opposite Words

creeping 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkrē-piŋ

Definition of creeping

as in leisurely

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed at this creeping pace of progress we'll never have the float ready for the parade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

creeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of creep

as in encroaching

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

as in lingering

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in crawling

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

as in dragging

to move slowly the class hour seems to creep by

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 creeping

Adjective

The warmth of the film—shot on location in Positano, Italy—only adds to its creeping, sexy menace. — Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 The overall effect is one of decadence laced with a creeping sense of horror. — Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2023 As a child, she was plagued by anxiety and the creeping sense that adults, especially her mother, were keeping secrets from the kids. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2023 Then comes the creeping sense that their conversation is screwy. — Amy Nicholson, Variety, 11 Sep. 2022 For some, once the initial shock wore off, a creeping sense of inevitability set in. — Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 18 July 2022 This growing entanglement of the corporate and social, this creeping sense of being tracked by invisible eyes, demands an increasing sophistication about what is said and where. — Kara Devlin, Longreads, 20 May 2022 But beneath the know-it-all tweets, there is a creeping sense that the psychological distance between the masses of 401(k) investors and the billionaire marks may not be that far. — New York Times, 9 Oct. 2021

Verb

They’re concentrated in the Southeast, but lone star ticks have been making their way north and creeping in from the coasts. — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 Farther north in the Bay Area, residents should expect temperatures in the 90s and some hot spots creeping into the 100s with little relief from the heat overnight, the National Weather Service said. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 On the state level, scientists and researchers are warning Illinois’ tick season is starting earlier, lasting longer and creeping into new corners of the state. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Throw it on before bed for a creeping loss of temporal traction and wild dreams. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026 How hot these temperatures will actually feel depends on the humidity for each day, where predictions show heat indexes creeping 5-10 degrees above base temperatures. — Nico Berlin, Oklahoman, 7 July 2026 The film smartly presents up front the revelation that Kobayashi has gone missing since investigating these cases, providing a creeping sense of dread as steps are traced back to what led to this. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 Thyme When their essential oils are released and rubbed onto the skin, thyme plants, including creeping thyme, can help keep mosquitoes away. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 South Florida residents can expect persistent high heat across this Fourth of July weekend, with high temperatures creeping into the 90s, according to the National Weather Service. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for creeping

Adjective

Nirmal Kumar, 44, a businessman, said what began as a leisurely trip descended into chaos within minutes as a storm lashed the boat.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
With over 29,000 five-star ratings from nurses, teachers, and podiatrists alike, the Aerothotic Comfy Flip-flops deserve a spot in your suitcase this summer, no matter if your itinerary calls for leisurely walks by the pool or intensive hikes.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

Definition of leisurely

Verb

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett told lawmakers Tuesday that a sharp increase in threats targeting her and other justices is increasingly encroaching on their personal and family lives.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Fortune, 14 July 2026
The funk and rock sounds fight against ever-encroaching mud and hiss; pretty melodies are offset by punishing bass or rendered disorienting by creative panning in the mix.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Definition of encroaching

Verb

This season, our editors are savoring the activities that take us back to some of our favorite childhood days—jumping off docks, sliding down twisty pool slides, and lingering outside long into the evening.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Any strange or lingering foot symptoms, though, could be a sign of a bigger health condition.

— Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Definition of lingering

Verb

With fervent editing, careful scene geography, and assured direction, the walk before the run can be tense enough to send viewers crawling out of their seats, willing the fugitive onscreen to get a move on already.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Health inspectors observed one small roach-like insect crawling from the mop sink to under the nearby prep table.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Definition of crawling

Verb

The untethered AUVs hover above the seabed instead of dragging equipment across it, reducing sediment disturbance and limiting ecosystem disruption.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
Centre-back Chadi Riad flicks the outswinging corner across goal, with his team-mates’ runs dragging Haiti’s defence forward.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of dragging

Adjective

Still, as the game wore on to the waning moments, both teams were visibly sapped of energy and moving at a slower pace, including Haaland, who faded late in the game, was subbed out at the 105-minute mark and replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
The question is whether the stock price leaves enough room if that recovery is slower, messier, or pricier than hoped.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of slow

Browse Nearby Words

creepiness

creeping

creeping up

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Creeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creeping. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of creeping

adjective

verb

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