Phrase guide

creep in

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin to affect.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • The more you work at meditation, the more you'll find serenity creeping in.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To occur despite attempts to prevent it.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • We have found that errors keep creeping in to your work.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

enter surreptitiously

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He sneaked in under cover of darkness
  • In this essay, the author's personal feelings creep in

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sneak in

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: penetrate, perforate

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.