creep 1 of 2

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
Some creep is following you in the bathroom, which can’t be good. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025 Shae thinks Olympia should build their case around the idea that kids like Kennedy and Tucker were trying to make good choices but were manipulated and misled by the exploitative creeps running Slamm’d. Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
In the dark, in the trees, anything can creep toward you. Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 17 Apr. 2025 Napoleon left Moscow in the middle of October 1812, eventually to creep into Paris just before Christmas. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • But this Ron Howard was an alternate universe version of Ron Howard, who instead of being notoriously nice, is sort of a jerk.
    Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Someone actually just said to me that all the men in the book are jerks.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Rising sea levels not only push back its shorelines, but the encroaching salt water also erodes the country’s limited farmland.
    Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Democrats have repeatedly warned against Republican budget proposals encroaching on Medicaid.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There's also great uncertainty as Trump seeks negotiations with China and begins talks with other counties whose larger tariffs were delayed by 90 days.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Research suggests that females who have autism are more likely to use this strategy, which can lead to a mismatch between the internal experience and the external behavior—and may play a role in delaying diagnosis.1 4.
    Heidi Moawad, MD, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Freya crawled on top of her, interrupting the seizure.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Continue to update your site with new, high-quality blogs, and search engines will more frequently crawl your site.
    Tonia Ryan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Paleontologists used to wonder if some marine reptiles did the same, awkwardly dragging themselves onto beaches to lay eggs rather than birthing their young at sea like whales do.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The longer the trade war drags on, the more likely Washington and Beijing will find other ways to retaliate beyond economics.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Managers don’t always appreciate lingering legacies.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Private patios are planted with succulents and shaded by native trees, while the center of the property is anchored by a sunken dipping pool and communal fire pit perfect for lingering evenings and slow conversations.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In New York, marchers snaked their way past Trump Tower Saturday.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • New York declined to accept the first two hammers, cutting the team’s lead to a single point, before Horschel’s long putt snaked into the hole at the 14th to give Atlanta a dramatic lead.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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