crinkle 1 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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crinkle

2 of 2

verb

ˈkriŋ-kəl How to pronounce crinkle (audio)
1
as in to rustle
to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
3
as in to wrinkle
to develop creases or folds her forehead crinkled in consternation when her guests failed to arrive on time

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 crinkle
Noun
Hands close around the Spalding, crinkle-fold the cereal bag. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 For evening, lean into edge with The Frankie Shop’s faux-leather capris—just add polished almond-toe pumps, a crinkle tank from Toteme, and a Bottega Veneta bag for a refined after-hours look. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
Here, the creative studio pitches concepts like jeans with cutoff waistbands, crinkled barely-there washes, repairs and rounded patchwork and super flare silhouettes that mimic ’70s DIY fits. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026 Remove the sheet pan from the oven, then drop it twice on a heatproof counter or other surface to deflate and crinkle the cookies. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkle
  1. furrow
  2. rustle
  3. crumple
  4. wrinkle
  5. crease
  6. crackle
  7. scrunch
  8. squeak
Noun
  • In fossils, tooth marks often look like punctures or furrows.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 July 2026
  • In furrows of pain, The good now germinates.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Definition of furrow
Verb
  • And the only hint of rain comes from the sound of wind rustling cactus spines, trickle trickle trickle.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some of them, like the one I got stranded on, were full of green rolling hills, tall grasses that rustled in the wind, and wild goats and deer roaming free.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of rustle
Verb
  • Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil and crumple it into a ball.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
  • Euphoric players cavorting in disbelief, long-suffering fans crumpling to their knees in tears, commentators’ voices cracking at the drama of it all.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of crumple
Verb
  • Unfortunately, linen is well-known for being easily wrinkled, and proper washing is crucial to maintain the integrity of linen.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 July 2026
  • There’s arguably nothing more annoying than rushing out the door to an event, only to realize your dress is wrinkled and needs to be steamed.
    — Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Definition of wrinkle
Noun
  • Save your precious suitcase space for souvenirs, and grab a crease-proof dress (or three), below.
    — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Just be sure to snag the styles that catch your eye ASAP—these crease-proof picks won’t be under $30 for much longer.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of crease
Verb
  • Dipping into this cocoon, lit by a crackling fireplace, after meandering through the Christmas market at the Tuileries Gardens across the street is a no-brainer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Quinones paused for a few seconds as a loudspeaker crackling from an LAPD helicopter circling a few streets over ordered a shooting suspect to turn themselves in.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of crackle
Verb
  • Using the excess product, scrunch the rest into your hair, which will help maintain definition and hold.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, InStyle, 28 July 2026
  • Pick Ups Toe pick-ups involve picking up small items by scrunching your toes around them.
    — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026
Definition of scrunch
Verb
  • Jansen & Oncins crushed Mixed-1, while Christian and Acevedo squeaked out Mixed-2 12-10 to force a DB.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Metal frames have a tendency to click and squeak, but reviewers tout this frame’s noise-free build.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Definition of squeak

Browse Nearby Words

cringing (at)
crinkle
crinkled
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Cite this Entry

“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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