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Definitions

crawl

[krawl] / krɔl /
VERB
move very slowly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clamber creep drag inch plod poke slide slither squirm wriggle
STRONG
grovel lag lollygag scrabble worm writhe
WEAK
drag oneself along go on all fours go on belly hang back loiter along move at snail's pace move on hands and knees pull oneself along
Antonyms
STRONGEST
run rush
VERB
humble oneself
Synonyms
STRONG
cringe fawn grovel toady truckle
WEAK
abase oneself apple-polish brown-nose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Speaking to the Boston Herald, Haridasse said: "After falling down the fourth time, I was getting ready to crawl."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Kumar hosted her first book crawl in 2024 in Culver City and has since taken the event to Long Beach, Hollywood and Pasadena.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“With labor-force growth slowing to a crawl, productivity is no longer just one of the engines of growth—it’s close to the only engine left,” said Erik Brynjolfsson, director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

No one was injured in the crash, though Woods had to crawl out through the passenger door to free himself.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Cindy started to crawl forward, but he waved her back with both hands.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith