What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slinking
Example
The cat was slinking around the corner, trying to catch the mouse. [slinking: verb]
Example
He was slinking away from the scene of the crime, hoping not to be seen. [slinking: present participle]
creeping
Example
She was creeping up the stairs so as not to wake the baby. [creeping: present participle]
Example
The vines were creeping up the side of the house, covering it in green. [creeping: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Creeping is more commonly used than slinking in everyday language. Creeping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slinking is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slinking and creeping?
Both slinking and creeping are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
