scrunch

Definition of scrunchnext
1
2
as in to crouch
to lie low with the limbs close to the body the climbers scrunched down on the leeward side of a large boulder and waited for the storm to pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to scrape
to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound scrunched loose gravel with every footstep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of scrunch Louis' scrunched up face got an affectionate giggle out of his dad as the two sat side-by-side at the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 Mind you, that was also by design — the west side of the stadium was roped off entirely, so that 50% of capacity was scrunched into one half of the building. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 Further inspection found a Mexican citizen scrunched into a makeshift, dry compartment in the gas tank that February day. Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Reduce frizz, add shine, and offer your curls a soft, flexible hold with Bumble and Bumble's Curl Defining Styling Cream, which should be scrunched into wet hair from mid-shaft to ends before air drying or diffusing. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch
Verb
  • One of the victims fled to a McDonald's restaurant where his bloodstained clothes, which were likely cut off by paramedics, were crumpled on the floor near the entrance.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2026
  • Add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint works wonders) to paper towels, crumple them up, and tuck them inside your shoes.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The image in question features Grande crouched on the ground while sucking a lollipop and loving a happy black dog.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026
  • The first showed him walking hand-in-hand with his sons, and the second showed Jack crouched down in a church pew as one of his sons played with toys, surrounded by coloring books and stickers.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • But this adjustable Oxo measuring cup will save you time that would otherwise be spent scraping every last bit of peanut butter from the measuring cup.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
  • Colombia needed a 76th-minute goal from Crystal Palace standout Daniel Muñoz to scrape past the DRC, but that goal pushed the team into first place in the group.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • With the wrap in front of you, fold up the edge closest to you.
    Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • In Joá, where the land gathers around the great presence of Pedra da Gávea—the mountain whose unmistakable form looms over Rio— before folding toward forest and sea, a level expanse of this scale feels equal parts modernist and surrealist.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Then the coach known as the most impulsive man on an NFL sideline runs that stop sign, grits his teeth and breaks unbound into character.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • When my grandchildren were around recently, Marie was gritting her teeth because her nerves were so frayed.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • And these only scratch the surface of his accomplishments.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
  • Even young raccoons can bite or scratch when frightened, and wild animals can carry parasites and diseases, says Rakestraw.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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