crinkle 1 of 2

Definition of crinklenext
as in furrow
a small fold in a soft and otherwise smooth surface little crinkles at the corners of his mouth showed whenever he smiled

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crinkle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to rustle
to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

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2
3
as in to wrinkle
to develop creases or folds her forehead crinkled in consternation when her guests failed to arrive on time

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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 crinkle
Noun
Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026 Birdcode also serves crinkle cut fries (plain, with spice or sauce), milkshakes and mac and cheese. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
Appropriate for daytime and evenings alike, the Kiki pumps are also offered in plum and crinkled metallic silver. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025 Scorched leaves have brown margins and may crinkle up or fall from the tree in mid to late summer. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkle
Noun
  • Each year without the dead only deepens the furrow of their absence.
    Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
  • This creates an intricate network of microscopic cracks that, in addition to visible furrows, help retain the water elephants douse themselves in to stay cool.
    Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Sunshine, blue skies, rustling palm fronds, a high of 78 degrees – the South Floridian dream.
    Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
  • If shows like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton really rustle your jimmies, 2025 parody Fackham Hall might be for you.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Spread the bedding out as much as possible in the machine so it’s not crumpled or folded.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
  • One woman crumpled into the arms of her fellow protesters.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in the early 1900s, people feared broadcast radio would wrinkle their skin, dry up the sky, and even cause flooding by breaking up clouds.
    Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Now’s also a great time to stock up on timeless basics like the Lands’ End Super-T Short-sleeve T-shirt, a soft cotton-jersey T-shirt that won’t wrinkle, shrink, or pill over time, and is available in a whopping 13 shades that are currently 25 percent off.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rumors tip a crease-free display, in-display sensors, and a price tag of at least $2,000 (but possibly $2,400).
    Lance Whitney, PC Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026
  • While these sticks are creamy in texture, the product is still smudge-proof and crease-resistant, and lasts all day.
    Micaela English, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Afternoons are for sweating it out in saunas, reading a good book or having a nap in a gentle swinging hammock, while evenings are for cozying up, a candlelit dinner, and a crackling fire.
    Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Inside, crackling fires create inviting places to sip a bourbon cocktail.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This faux leather style features an elegant, rounded collar and scrunched sleeves that together create a bold, endlessly versatile piece that can be thrown over a dress and knee-high boots for an afternoon brunch, or paired with denim and sneakers for a day of exploring.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Dries Van Noten wrapped a denim trench coat in a colorful, tapestry-like belts, scrunched baggy jeans into shin-grazing boots and added a bomber-style collar to a denim blazer.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Spray it on a squeaking door hinge, drawer, or otherwise to make opening and closing it smoother and quieter.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Yet, too often, this category is flooded with forgettable songs by big name artists who squeak into eligibility because their music was quite literally a last-minute contribution for the end credits.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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