crinkling

Definition of crinklingnext
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
  • End your drive with a stay at Chinati Hot Springs, and soak in the steaming springwater beneath rustling cottonwoods and the glittering expanse of Texas stars.
    Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • Also wrinkling matters is Eiza González as Nick’s wife Alice, who also happens to be Mike’s secret lover.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The report noted wrinkling on Smith’s hands from water immersion, according to People.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • He could be seen scrunching his face in anticipation.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
  • 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
  • Through the echo of the old story whispering from the walls.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
  • There’s John Waters whispering sweet nothings into Kim Kardashian’s ear.
    Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Flexi-form technology prevents creasing, while light refracting pigments blur the look of fine lines and texture.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • Jared Wright fired off the rush, squeaking a shot through Saros.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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