crinkles 1 of 2

Definition of crinklesnext
plural of crinkle
as in creases
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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crinkles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of crinkle
1
as in rustles
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 furrows
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 crinkles
Noun
The variety of body types and shapes shown here, often covered in very little, is a reminder that despite the smoothness of the people held up as worthy of admiration on Instagram, most people’s bodies and faces have lumps and bumps and creases and crinkles. Catherine Bray, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025 There’s nothing wrong with that, but the observable crinkles may be diminished. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
Deklan's yougest sister, Juliet, 2, loves to ride on the back of her brother's wheelchair and engage in tickle fights as her nose crinkles through bouts of laughter. Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkles
Noun
  • When handling a wet or dry electric blanket, avoid creating sharp folds or creases.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2026
  • The innovation eliminated unflattering creases along the back and puckering along the inseam.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even Super Dog makes an appearance — cape, mask and all — ready to leap into action the moment a snack bag rustles.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, hikers trace goat paths to the secluded Tatevi Anapat Hermitage, where wind rustles through fig trees and the only sound is the echo of footfalls on ancient stone.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Young olive trees have smooth, gray bark, while the bark develops interesting furrows as the plant ages.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Filmed entirely with iPhone 5S cameras, Tangerine crackles with immediacy and authenticity.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Dec. 2025
  • At the tip of a private peninsula in North Falmouth, the waterfront estate at 40 Point Road feels like the kind of place made for gatherings — where the fire crackles, champagne flutes catch the winter light, and the view stretches endlessly across the bay.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The clear formula is lightweight but substantial enough to create a cast that scrunches out softly, leaving hair touchable instead of stiff.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Hiddleston scrunches his eyes a bit at the statement.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Since the material never wrinkles, the pants are the ideal pick for wearing on long travel days or packing in your suitcase.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2025
  • Harlow wrinkles her nose, the perfect picture of disgust.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The translation squeaks and spooks with imagery of haunts and death.
    Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Chatman squeaks onto the roster after showing position flex at fullback on offense, as well.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Despite being small enough to fit in a residential garage or standard parking space, the Base Station is able to sleep a family of four in a futon-style couch that folds out into a queen-size bed, along with an optional bunk bed for the kids.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Some dishwashers have a special rack that folds down to hold these items.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkles. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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