Creep: meaning, definitions and examples

Can also refer to someone who moves quietly and cautiously, often to avoid detection.

• He tried to creep into the house without waking anyone.
• The cat would creep up to the bird quietly.

Used when talking about moving stealthily or secretly to avoid being seen or heard.

• She managed to sneak out of the house without her parents noticing.
• They had to sneak past the guards to get inside.

Refers to someone who flatters or compliments others, usually of higher status, to gain favor or advantages. Has a negative connotation.

• He is just a sycophant who always praises the boss to get a promotion.
• Everyone knew she was a sycophant, so nobody trusted her intentions.

Often refers to someone who is deceitful or untrustworthy. It has a negative connotation and is used to describe a person who avoids responsibility or is cunning in a dishonest way.

• Don't trust him; he's a weasel who always finds a way to cheat.
• He tried to weasel out of the agreement at the last minute.

Used again here in the sense of moving slowly and uncomfortably, often highlighting a nervous or fearful approach.

• He felt something creeping up his arm, and he shivered in horror.

Implies moving quietly and secretly, often with a sense of trying to avoid detection. This word can have a slightly negative connotation as it implies deceit.

• He tried to sneak out of the house without his parents noticing.
• She sneaked a piece of candy from the jar.

Refers to moving smoothly over a surface in a side-to-side motion, often used for snakes or snake-like movement.

• The snake slithered through the grass.
• She watched the ice cube slither down her hand.

Describes moving on hands and knees, like a baby, or how an insect moves. It can also refer to moving very slowly, such as in traffic.

• The baby finally learned to crawl.
• Traffic was crawling along the highway during rush hour.