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
Fear creeps in as cases continue to rise The lack of official narrative may have led local folks to a premature sense of safety, believing that the outbreak had ended even as cases continue to add up. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026 The draft is interesting because there aren’t the top-of-the-board type options like last year (Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren) but the closer late April creeps, the deeper many people believe the tight end crop is on the whole. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
Doubt is one thing Jed Keenan and his Chaska teammates have never allowed to creep in this season. Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026 Seagrasses brought to these sea bottoms buried creeping stems, strong roots, and pliable leaves. David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • Dishes like jerk chicken and rice and beans cooked in coconut milk reflect the region’s deep Jamaican and British colonial influences that are distinctive from other parts of Costa Rica.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Highlights include crab cakes, Napoleon, jerk chicken and waffles, lobster rolls, Florida Croque Madame, oxtail pasta, coquito French toast, tiramisu and more.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those rapid-fire changes have prompted advocates to sound the alarm — and sue the Justice Department — arguing that the new rules encroach on due process in the country’s immigration courts.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • When Mays retired last season and Antoine Thompson was hired, Graham stepped away, not wanting to encroach on the new head coach’s time.
    Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The contest was delayed for about 10 minutes in the fourth after plate umpire Ron Kulpa exited due to taking a foul ball off his mask.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Along with Buttó, right-hander Hayden Birdsong underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery, while right-handers Joel Peguero (Grade 2 hamstring strain) and left-hander Reiver Sanmartin (right hip flexor) sustained injuries that delayed the starts to their seasons.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Until Isaacman’s program makeover, Artemis III was crawling toward a moon landing no sooner than 2029.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Woods’ car then rolled onto its driver’s side and he was forced to crawl out the window.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Continue reading … EMERGENCY EASE — Trump administration steps in with rare tax relief for DHS workers as shutdown drags on.
    , FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Several parents who spoke to The Baltimore Sun, under the condition of anonymity because of fears that the institution would retaliate against their sons, questioned why the school continues to drag its feet about bringing back Moran.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The primary suite is described as storage-rich and spa-like, with multiple closets and a bath built for lingering.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • But Paddack won’t let the sting linger.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Air travelers are paying the price of the shutdown with unpredictable, snaking TSA lines at airports across the country, jeopardizing their chances to pass through security on time for their flights.
    Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The consequent disruptions ground some airports to a near-halt, while others contended with security lines that snaked out into parking lots and lasted upward of four hours.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And time is running out before teams begin poking and prodding at the puzzle, trying to find ways to break it apart.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Finding shooters in the corner, using Oldacre and Cunningham or the open person can be a way for Texas to poke holes in Michigan's defense.
    Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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