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
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Shaq started to answer and then crinkled a piece of paper over the microphone to muffle his response.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 10 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
From gourmet treats to squeaky and crinkling toys, your dog or cat will appreciate these festive little surprises.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Shaq started to answer and then crinkled a piece of paper over the microphone to muffle his response.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 10 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
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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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How Green Noise Differs From White Noise Green noise refers to a mid-frequency sound profile centered around 500 Hz that mimics nature sounds like ocean waves, gentle rain and rustling leaves.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
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Green noise is a mid-frequency sound profile centered around 500 Hz that mimics nature sounds like ocean waves, gentle rain and rustling leaves.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Some might view that as a bad thing, given that the Broncos’ run-game consistency crumpled after that Dobbins injury.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
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Take a half a sheet of parchment paper, crumple it completely, open it and use it to line the walls of the pan.—
Amisha Gurbani,
San Francisco Chronicle,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There are still some lingering discrepancies, wrinkles that the team thinks other collisions between particles with sizes between protons and iron could help to iron out.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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The last thing Louise saw before losing consciousness was this woman’s face, wrinkled in an unapologetic way, old, shamelessly old, defiantly so.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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By fighting the urge to challenge outside of his crease early in the play, Thompson had very little ground to cover when Necas passed the puck across the zone.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2026
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These creases form differently than expression lines and can’t be corrected with Botox because they’re caused by external pressure rather than muscle contraction.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Settle in for a night of starry skies by the crackling fire at a variety of cabins, lodges, campsites, and yurts.—
Joie Probst,
Midwest Living,
10 Apr. 2026
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There’s still plenty of terrific action and a nice, dark sense of humor, but the show's biggest draw is this counterfeit couple's crackling chemistry.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Further inspection found a Mexican citizen scrunched into a makeshift, dry compartment in the gas tank that February day.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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After squeaking out one-run victories over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday and Sunday – games that taxed the bullpen and stressed their fans – this one was comfortable from the fourth inning.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
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Glastonbury, which squeaked into the state tournament as the 32nd seed then made a run to the state final, returns a large group of pitchers, including Danny Wallace who will play at Fordham next season.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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