Phrase guide

creep up

verb · 2 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 advance or increase with stealth, unnoticed (literally or figuratively).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • The lioness has to creep up behind her prey so as not to be noticed.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

advance stealthily or unnoticed

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Age creeps up on you

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sneak up

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: advance, progress, pass on, move on, march on, go on

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: alŝteliri — to advance with stealth
  • German: anschleichen — to advance with stealth
  • Spanish: acercarse sigilosamente — to advance with stealth