1 A2 neutral
For a person or animal to enter a place quietly and slowly, trying not to be noticed.
"She tried not to wake anyone as she crept in after midnight."
inseparable
creep in
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To enter slowly and gradually, often without being noticed — used of people, abstract things, or influences.
In plain English
To slowly move into a place or situation without anyone noticing, like a mistake quietly appearing in your work.
What does "creep in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
For something abstract (an error, a doubt, a habit) to gradually appear or develop without being immediately noticed.
"A few typos crept in during the final editing stage and made it to print."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
For an unwanted feeling or influence to slowly begin to affect a situation.
"A sense of doubt began to creep in as the project continued to fall behind."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To creep means to move very slowly and quietly; 'in' means entering a space — someone or something slowly entering without being detected.
Actually means
To slowly move into a place or situation without anyone noticing, like a mistake quietly appearing in your work.
Usage tip
Frequently used figuratively for abstract things like errors, doubts, fatigue, or bad habits. Also used literally for people or animals moving quietly into a space. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "creep in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
errors doubt fatigue habits changes influence
How to conjugate "creep in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
creep in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
creeps in
he/she/it
Past simple
creeped in
yesterday
Past participle
creeped in
have + pp
-ing form
creeping in
continuous
Hear "creep in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "creep in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "creep in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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