1
2
as in crumpling
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 crinkling
From gourmet treats to squeaky and crinkling toys, your dog or cat will appreciate these festive little surprises.
—
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkling
Verb
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His presentation showed these daytime levels to be roughly equivalent to a quiet rural area, while nighttime levels would be at the sound level of a whisper or rustling leaves.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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Sunshine, blue skies, rustling palm fronds, a high of 78 degrees – the South Floridian dream.—
Risa Polansky Shiman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Moses Moody scored 23 points before crumpling to the floor with an apparently serious left knee injury late in overtime as the Golden State Warriors beat Dallas 137-131 on Monday night, extending the Mavericks' home losing streak to 12 games, their longest in 32 years.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
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The Material steak knives arrived sharp, slicing through a piece of paper rather than crumpling its edge.—
Emily Johnson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The report noted wrinkling on Smith’s hands from water immersion, according to People.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2026
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Many shower curtain liners can be washed in the washing machine with baking soda to bust through tough grime and mildew and a towel to keep the liner from wrinkling.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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From there, pathways can lead to a dedicated social zone centered around a crackling fire pit or a comfortable sofa, perfect for late-evening conversations.—
Rosehill Gardens,
Kansas City Star,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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He could be seen scrunching his face in anticipation.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
27 Dec. 2025
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Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and use your toes to grab and curl the towel toward you, scrunching it up several times before switching sides.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The video showed Styles whispering something into Jordan’s ear.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Mar. 2026
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In every part of the world, someone is whispering in the ear of someone else that justice is near and that the fight is upon them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The key here is to look for smart fits and dressy details, including creasing, pleating, and even embroidery.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
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The hydrating ingredients help prevent caking or creasing as the day wears on, creating natural, even coverage.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Living rooms welcome the ambient tones of squeaking sneakers and droning cheer squads.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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Spray it on a squeaking door hinge, drawer, or otherwise to make opening and closing it smoother and quieter.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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