1
as in encroached
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
Relevance
2
as in lingered
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 crawled
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 dragged
to move slowly
the class hour seems to creep by
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 crept
There, the smell of smoke had crept inside.
—
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Jordan Neely’s father lifted his head and sat upright in his seat; an almost-smile crept across his face.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Have the objects of your envy crept their way into your love life?
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Thereafter, as the sun crept back to its normal workday, so did everyone else.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
That came following an incompletion when the offense’s operation in resetting for the next play was slow enough that the possibility of a delay-of-game penalty crept in.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
As doubt crept in, the Dutchman responded in round 21 of the season in Brazil with a masterclass of a performance to end his 10-race run without tasting a victory.
—Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Amid the day's elation, tragedy crept in as a 57-year-old man competing in the marathon collapsed and died around the fifth mile marker in the Canadian stretch of the course.
—Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024
As prices crept higher, so did credit card balances.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Jordan Neely’s father lifted his head and sat upright in his seat; an almost-smile crept across his face.
—Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Have the objects of your envy crept their way into your love life?
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Thereafter, as the sun crept back to its normal workday, so did everyone else.
—The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024
That came following an incompletion when the offense’s operation in resetting for the next play was slow enough that the possibility of a delay-of-game penalty crept in.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
As doubt crept in, the Dutchman responded in round 21 of the season in Brazil with a masterclass of a performance to end his 10-race run without tasting a victory.
—Yara Elshebiny, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Amid the day's elation, tragedy crept in as a 57-year-old man competing in the marathon collapsed and died around the fifth mile marker in the Canadian stretch of the course.
—Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024
As prices crept higher, so did credit card balances.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crept
Verb
-
After the Mass, faithful attendees, priests, nuns and other guests lingered in the cathedral, their awe evident.THOMAS ADAMSON AND SYLVIE CORBET THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024
-
Guests lingered on the lawn, glasses of rosé in hand, reflecting on the day’s celebration of beauty, empowerment, and connection.Sasha Pinto, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
John then shuffled through the expansion era and modern baseball ballots twice apiece, getting spurned by the voting committees.Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
-
Forensic accountants testified that Marilyn was the one who gave Nick the money, who then shuffled it around to various bank accounts, before wiring it back to Marilyn.Mikenzie Frost, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Throughout the special, the comedian poked fun at the uncomfortable parts of recovery — from full-body baths to grueling physical therapy — with irreverent charm.Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Putting them all together, there will be internal frustrations that come to the surface when we are being poked by something minor.Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near crept
Cite this Entry
“Crept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crept. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share