1
as in scrunching
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 collapsing
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
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Recent Examples of crumpling
Singh was blocking both lanes of the northbound Turnpike when Dufresne’s Chrysler Town & Country minivan hit the truck, crumpling underneath the 18-wheeler’s trailer.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2025
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crumpling
Verb
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And some ankle booties with wedge heels might appear moderate, but can actually throw your weight onto the balls of your feet, scrunching your toes up against the toe box.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Transmitted by bites, scratches, or even just by getting a drop of infected blood in one's system, the virus spreads rapidly, effectively collapsing society.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
3 Sep. 2025
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On the runway, the forms alternate between architectural precision and fluid sensuality, with Scott often layering handwoven crochet against crisp suiting or transparent knits, collapsing binaries between resort wear and luxury evening.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to the declaration, the fire originated underneath and to the left of Harris, who was unconscious and sitting in a folding plastic lawn chair with metal supports.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Graco jogging strollers also feature adjustable reclining positions and canopies or one-handed folding mechanisms.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Or the opposite, suddenly words are tumbling onto a page as if someone else is conducting.—
Beverly Gologorsky
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
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Renee Parenteau To say that Shannon Miller knows about tumbling in gymnastics would be an understatement.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After a nutria was tossed fifteen or twenty times, snotlike entrails began to protrude from the bullet holes, at which point Miss Louisiana, wrinkling her nose, would place it in a trash bucket and select a fresh carcass from the cooler.—
Nathaniel Rich,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
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The 30-percent linen two-piece is breathable, comfortable, and resists wrinkling—ideal for flights and airport days.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crumpling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crumpling. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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