1
2
as in to crumple
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in
crinkled the candy wrapper up and threw it away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crinkle
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
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
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
Noun
Lunar Sheen Utility Mid-rise Pants At just $21, the Lunar Sheen Utility Mid-rise Pants are a must-add to every packing list for their year-round versatility, adjustable fit, relaxed shape, and lightweight crinkle texture that can easily fold down into any suitcase.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
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
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
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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
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Those few included Sacajawea, the Indian guide for Lewis and Clark, and Ella Watson, hanged for cattle rustling.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
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His presentation showed these daytime levels to be roughly equivalent to a quiet rural area, while nighttime levels would be at the sound level of a whisper or rustling leaves.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The injury occurred on a breakaway in Dallas last Monday, leaving Moody crumpled on the floor and requiring a stretcher.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Boz just towers over her, is confident and assured as always, and Rachel is all crumpled up and just wants to get out of there.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Two hinges mean two creases, which are visible at off angles and when the screen is dark.—
Iyaz Akhtar,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
-
After the Blackhawks took the lead on a tap-in with Ilya Mikheyev going hard to the Minnesota crease, things got heated in the final two minutes.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though many were faded and dusty, the assemblages nevertheless crackled with an almost urgent vibrancy, beckoning the viewer closer.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
30 Mar. 2026
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Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
-
James then scrunched his face into a sarcastic, close-eyed smile.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The orange and black could also squeak into the postseason by jumping the New York Islanders (89 points) in the Metropolitan Division.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Kyle Tucker reached base on a chopper that squeaked through the infield.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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