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
Birdcode also serves crinkle cut fries (plain, with spice or sauce), milkshakes and mac and cheese. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2026 This core sheet set has a light crinkle to it, even if they’re taken right out of the dryer, so Baker would recommend the bedding for a more relaxed, lived-in bedroom aesthetic. Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2025
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
  • Whether the furrow of snow in a lane of parked cars is a sneckdown depends on your philosophical opinion of what the street is for.
    Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Formal design dates back to the ancient Egyptians, whose practice was to plant along straight furrows or channels dug for irrigation purposes.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The mystery of the dead cows was never solved, but Skeet and three other men were arrested for cattle rustling.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
  • This tranquil setting, with the sounds of the waves and palm trees rustling in the tropical breezes, sets the tone.
    Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The polar bear crumpled three steps from Junior’s feet.
    Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Ball collided hard with Lee and both crumpled quickly to the floor, quieting the arena while many looked on anxiously.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaners, says this is ideal for items such as jackets, dresses, and shirts that don’t wrinkle as easily as other pieces of clothing.
    Jodi Gonzalez, The Spruce, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Minutes stretched into hours as Evelyn focused on ensuring her wedding ring didn't slip off her fingers, now waterlogged and wrinkled.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Once aluminum foil has been exposed to heat or raw proteins, tiny tears, cracks, and creases can develop that trap bacteria.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Makeup artist Kenya Alexis created a softly graphic cut crease reminiscent of mod looks, going especially bold with the sharply winged lower liner and clusters of lashes on her lower lash line.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The whole show crackles with anything-can-happen energy.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • At night, gather in front of a crackling fire for pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room, which is filled with illustrations of Parisian opera stars, antique finds, and Monopoly.
    Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To give your straight strands an undone finish, spritz and scrunch them with a texture spray.
    Krista Carter, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Late in the third quarter, Buzelis turned away from the basket and scrunched up his face in a grimace of disgust.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 67,300 domestic migrants heading to the second most populous state year over year barely squeaked by South Carolina, which had the third highest number of domestic migrants at 66,600.
    Mike Schneider, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Paired with Michigan squeaking out a win over Nebraska, that trio forms a three-way tie atop the standings at 9-1, with Illinois a half-game back at 8-1.
    Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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