Inched up on

• Verged toward
• Became visible, maybe
• Closed the gap on
• Got warmer while searching for
• Moved closer towards
• Got closer to
• Closed in on

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
vb. (en-past of: near )

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Near \Near\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Neared ; p. pr. & vb. n Nearing .] [See Near , adv.] To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land.