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
Josh, as an entitled creep who grossly overestimates his own intelligence. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 Small, unnoticed expenses and lifestyle creep can add up and put a significant strain on your financial goals. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
America's pastime is looking a little different every year as technological innovations, society's shrinking attention span and big-money marketing concerns creep into Major League Baseball. Jesse Kirsch, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2025 But things are creeping in that are cause for concern, especially on the defensive side. Tony Jones, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for creep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creep
Noun
  • Dig in: The meal is $75 and includes dishes like jerk chicken with rice and peas and coconut collard greens, cow heel soup and crawfish hushpuppies.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Lion’s Tail is a transitional drink that tastes like if a Jamaican jerk chicken and a Whiskey Sour couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This demon used to be a giant boar, but was driven mad after being shot with an iron bullet, a sign that civilization is irreversibly encroaching on the natural world.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Brenda Deal, who wants to sell her house there, learned her garage and shed might be encroaching on the right of way, based on GIS maps.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What may happen is a pause by some companies in shipping goods to the U.S. Automaker Jaguar Land Rover and gaming outfit Nintendo have already announced a change of plans; the former is pausing shipment of its cars for a month, and Nintendo delayed pre-orders for its new Switch 2 console.
    Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • China’s chief antitrust regulator is currently reviewing the BlackRock-Hutchison deal, effectively delaying the transaction before it was expected to be signed on April 2.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Senators from both sides of the aisle are reigniting efforts to crawl back technology companies’ legal immunities with hopes bipartisan support in Congress could push the bill across the finish line this session and gain the backing of President Trump.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The average is dragged lower by the three most recent economic contractions, which were all atypical.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Watkins combines that with intelligent runs in behind, dragging defenders with him.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The cool weather is expected to linger in the metro during the first part of next week.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
  • After her mother's stroke, Keys said self-care meant taking her blood pressure medication, drinking water and lingering for a moment at the mailbox to take in the sunshine and feel the wind on her face.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Developed over two years, the Serpenti Aeterna watch snaking around the wrist features a clasp closure mechanism and signature hexagonal scales etched in the inner contour.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At the antiques shop, overflowing with bronze sculptures and ornate lamps, a train snakes through to dispense tea.
    Rachel Sherman, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Carrick’s penalty proved costly, as neither Trocheck nor Braden Schneider could muscle Point away from poking a puck past Shesterkin’s pad.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Hector had been poking fun at Lisa’s special interest: Taylor Swift.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creep. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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