creeping 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of creepingnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

creeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of creep
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
as in dragging
to move slowly the class hour seems to creep by

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Thesaurus Entries Near creeping

creepiness

creeping

creeping up

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Creeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creeping. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on creeping

Nglish: Translation of creeping for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of creeping for Arabic Speakers

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games