crinkling

present participle of crinkle
1
as in rustling
to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in wrinkling
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkling
Verb
  • Keep your eyes peeled for evidence of nesting, such as shredded materials like paper and insulation, as well as rustling sounds in the walls.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 May 2026
  • McCamish pointed to a nearby stand of cottonwood trees rustling in the wind.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Late on, with the game already won, James Garner and substitute Merlin Rohl chased Enzo Fernandez, sending him crumpling to the turf.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some washers also use a shorter cycle to reduce the likelihood of wrinkling.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • Nothing kills an outfit faster than a rigid denim waistband digging into your sides or linen trousers wrinkling at the first sign of sitting.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And should the mistral kick up, sip your digestif at the bar on a velvet couch by a crackling fire.
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Less is required of Anderson’s jaded, booze-sodden Jeff, but this smart-alecky sidekick is re-imagined with crackling comic vitality.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • In the meantime, Atomi encourages people to try the supine core and toe-scrunching exercises at home.
    Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
  • He could be seen scrunching his face in anticipation.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The sector had been whispering earlier this year that Richemont was planning to offload Jaeger-LeCoultre.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 May 2026
  • Francis and Pierre start whispering behind closed doors to one another at night, plotting whether or not to flee for a neutral country.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Light-diffusing pigments blur the look of dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone with a soft-focus effect, while the proprietary Flex Form Matrix technology creates a breathable layer that moves with the skin throughout the day—without settling into fine lines or creasing.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 10 May 2026
  • This step builds on the eye cream by extending that moisture barrier across the full face and preventing the delicate eye area from drying out and creasing as the day goes on.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The bird appears to enjoy the flight and can be heard squeaking from inside the cabin.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • And the offense did just enough, squeaking past the Steelers and Patriots.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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