1
as in to scrunch
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in
crumpled the piece of paper and angrily threw it in the wastebasket
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to collapse
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the box crumpled when I accidentally dropped a brick on it
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of crumple
Toronto’s Andrés Giménez spun halfway around and crumpled to the ground on a check swing in the sixth inning.
—
Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Minutes into the third quarter, Dončić crumpled to the ground after planting his left leg, again reaching for the hamstring.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Aerial footage of the aftermath showed wreckage scattered across the roof, including the plane’s right wing still lodged in the roof, while the fuselage sat crumpled in the backyard.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The injury occurred on a breakaway in Dallas last Monday, leaving Moody crumpled on the floor and requiring a stretcher.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crumple
Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Minutes into the third quarter, Dončić crumpled to the ground after planting his left leg, again reaching for the hamstring.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Aerial footage of the aftermath showed wreckage scattered across the roof, including the plane’s right wing still lodged in the roof, while the fuselage sat crumpled in the backyard.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The injury occurred on a breakaway in Dallas last Monday, leaving Moody crumpled on the floor and requiring a stretcher.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for crumple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crumple
Verb
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Plus, van Ness explains that the product doesn’t have to be used for heat styling alone—curly or textured hair can simply scrunch it in to help smooth unwanted frizz too.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
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Louis' scrunched up face got an affectionate giggle out of his dad as the two sat side-by-side at the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At Yale University, a committee of professors wanted to know why public trust in higher education had collapsed.—
Steven P. Dinkin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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But after that decent start, their form collapsed.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The layout includes an ergonomic cockpit, a refined interior with a twin cabin aft, and a teak deck with fold-out platforms and sunpads forward and aft.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
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Using a rubber spatula, fold batter a few times to ensure all ingredients are incorporated (batter will be thick).—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The only injuries were likely sustained by guests and banquet staff tumbling over one another to hide under tables.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
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The Red Sox could also call a few other clubs who have tumbled down the standings.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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My skin is wrinkled and worn from age, reflecting years of experience and wisdom.—
David McGrath,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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It’s crafted from a lightweight, breezy fabric that won’t wrinkle easily and will keep you comfy from the airport to the streets of your destination.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crumple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crumple. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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