CRINKLING Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

crinkling

verb

present participle of crinkle

as in rustling

to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 Quince’s vacation shop has an entire lineup of summer styles in cotton gauze, modal, and tencel, all light enough to keep you comfortable on the hottest days — and structured to maintain their shape without crinkling up in your luggage. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkling

Verb

For 45 years, Alyson Dee Moore made the sounds that movies needed — the footsteps, the rustling clothes and doors swinging shut.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
And the only hint of rain comes from the sound of wind rustling cactus spines, trickle trickle trickle.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of rustling

Verb

Euphoric players cavorting in disbelief, long-suffering fans crumpling to their knees in tears, commentators’ voices cracking at the drama of it all.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
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

Definition of crumpling

Verb

Few things are as romantic as a sip of amber beside a crackling sagebrush fire while the coyotes serenade the moon.

— Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
Tables and seating are arranged around a crackling fire with torches and ambient lighting surround the venue under the open sky and stars.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of crackling

Verb

The formula is designed to deliver up to 16 hours of wear without primer and is resistant to creasing, caking, fading and smudging.

— Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
Samsung has unveiled a new flexible display technology for foldable phones that’s designed to be slimmer, more durable, and less prone to creasing.

— Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 15 July 2026

Definition of creasing

Browse Nearby Words

crinkles

crinkling

cripple

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Style

“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of crinkling

verb

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