Synonyms of inching

inching 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in imperceptible

Related Words

• imperceptible
• stepped
• tapered
• gradual
• progressive
• phased
• piecemeal
• incremental
• step-by-step
• decrescent
• increscent
• gradational

Dissimilar Words

• sudden
• abrupt
• sharp
• acute
• discontinuous
• dynamic
• saltatory
• volatile
• changeable
• meteoric

2

as in ambling

Related Words

• ambling
• plodding
• lingering
• shuffling
• loitering
• slowing
• strolling
• heavy-footed
• creeping
• lounging
• tarrying
• lethargic
• slow-footed
• decelerating
• dragging
• crawling
• inert
• inactive
• lagging
• deliberate
• loafing
• leisurely
• poking
• stalling
• dilatory
• procrastinating
• measured
• unhurried
• tardy
• dallying
• laggard
• sluggish
• dillydallying
• poky
• slow
• languid
• dawdling
• filibustering
• snail-paced
• snaillike

Dissimilar Words

• rapid
• rushing
• running
• speeding
• swift
• speedy
• rocketing
• brisk
• quick
• flying
• lightning
• fast
• racing
• breathless
• hasty
• ready
• bolting
• meteoric
• dizzy
• fleet
• whirlwind
• hurrying
• expeditious
• prompt
• barreling
• scooting
• snappy
• zipping
• careering
• scurrying
• breakneck
• accelerated
• whirling
• warp-speed
• scudding
• whisking
• quickened
• hastened
• rushed
• hurried

inching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of inch

1

as in encroaching

to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits

every year the water inches further up the embankments, threatening to permanently engulf the island city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• encroaching
• creeping
• worming
• sneaking
• invading
• snaking
• entrenching
• impinging
• intruding
• overshooting
• infringing
• overstepping
• overrunning
• overreaching
• overpassing

2

as in dragging

to move slowly

the car inched carefully across the snow-covered causeway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dragging
• creeping
• crawling
• shuffling
• poking
• slouching
• limping
• oozing
• snailing
• nosing
• creaking (along)
• plodding
• trudging
• shambling
• tramping
• lumbering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flying
• speeding
• racing
• floating
• zipping
• gliding
• whizzing
• sailing
• tearing
• hurrying

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inching

Verb

Southern California could be inching closer to the kind of major earthquake scientists have long expected, according to new research showing stress continues to build along two of the state’s most dangerous fault systems. — Velvet Wu july 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 2026

In the three years since it’s been filed, the lawsuit has been inching along, with both sides trading briefs and appeals, Ron Zambrano, a lawyer for the three women, said in an interview. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Lonnie has plenty stacked against him, not least of all his own son, who is inching closer to surpassing his status in the golf world — people are even starting to call him the Hawk, a torch that had to have been pried out of his father’s hand. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026

And state environmental officials had just triggered the first phase of their drought response plan, inching the state toward new water use restrictions. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 24 June 2026

Not cheap, but a relative steal when the average facelift is inching into the six figures. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026

And slowly, her credit is inching its way back up. — Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Slammiversary card builds out Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)’s Slammiversary is inching closer. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026