creepy

adjective

ˈkrē-pē How to pronounce creepy (audio)
creepier; creepiest
Synonyms of creepy
1
: producing a nervous shivery apprehension
a creepy horror story
also : eerie
2
: of, relating to, or being a creep : annoyingly unpleasant
a creepy old man
creepily
ˈkrē-pə-lē How to pronounce creepy (audio)
adverb
creepiness
ˈkrē-pē-nəs How to pronounce creepy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of creepy

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Examples of creepy in a Sentence

There's something creepy about that guy. a fascinating but creepy stage show by an offbeat magician
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Halloween is next month, but these creepy crawlies are getting an early start to the spooky season. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 After a freak accident, Frank the bunny appears in an outstandingly creepy fashion to inform Donnie Darko of the world's impending doom. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Some DCon attendees are very creepy and weird (in a bad way), and those are not my people. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Smile 2 manages to be a fun continuation of the silly premise established by its 2022 predecessor, proving that the concept of a creepy smile demon can be taken in creative new directions. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creepy

Word History

Etymology

see creep entry 1

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of creepy was in 1836

Phrases Containing creepy

Rhymes for creepy

See All Rhymes for creepy

Browse Nearby Words

creep up on
creepy
creepy-crawly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Creepy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creepy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

creepy

adjective
ˈkrē-pē How to pronounce creepy (audio)
creepier; creepiest
: having or producing a sensation as of insects creeping on the skin
especially : eerie
creepily
-pə-lē How to pronounce creepy (audio)
adverb
creepiness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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