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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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
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
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 These wide-leg pants are made from crinkle fabric that naturally moves with your body. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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 Borage is a gorgeous plant, with showy blue blooms and crinkled, gray-green leaves. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crinkle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkle
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
Verb
  • In an appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s late night show in 2016, Trump allowed the host to rustle his hair.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The only sounds were the birds, rustling leaves in the soft breeze, and insects buzzing around from flower to flower.
    Lucrezia Worthington, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 June 2026
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
Verb
  • 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
  • Instead, look for signs the succulent is thirsty, like leaves that appear deflated or slightly wrinkled.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • They’re finished with whisker creases, scoop pockets, and raw hems.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The body panels feature more curves and more subtle creases than the Audis of a few years ago.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • As the Taser crackles, the recording device drops, briefly capturing part of a vehicle before flames erupt near the camera.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Sarah stretches the beaver pelt in front of her mother to shield her from the crackling ignition of the newspaperman’s flash powder.
    Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • 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
  • Schwarber, who barely squeaked out of the first round, went first.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on crinkle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster