1
as in to crumple
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in
the guest rumpled the antique bedspread by lying down on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
the aunt would invariably rumple the little boy's hair whenever she came to visit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 rumple
Her hair is frizzy, or her dress is rumpled, but that disheveledness was something that Turini wanted to explore in Maddie’s wardrobe to signify her lack of self.
—
Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2024
Cooley was a prosecutor straight out of central casting, as Trump might put it, gray-haired and a bit rumpled, who gave the impression of having witnessed more than his share of crime victims’ pain.
—Dan Morain, The Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2024
It was returned to me with its chiffon over-layer in shreds and my previously thriving silk buds were rumpled, drooping, and wilted—like a flower bed dug up by the neighbor’s dog.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 July 2024
Hôtel Le Garage: A chic, intimate property that has helped transform a quiet nook of the city into a magnet for the cosmopolitan and artfully rumpled.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for rumple
Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2024
Cooley was a prosecutor straight out of central casting, as Trump might put it, gray-haired and a bit rumpled, who gave the impression of having witnessed more than his share of crime victims’ pain.
—Dan Morain, The Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2024
It was returned to me with its chiffon over-layer in shreds and my previously thriving silk buds were rumpled, drooping, and wilted—like a flower bed dug up by the neighbor’s dog.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 July 2024
Hôtel Le Garage: A chic, intimate property that has helped transform a quiet nook of the city into a magnet for the cosmopolitan and artfully rumpled.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for rumple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumple
Verb
-
At the edge of that gate, a mother crumpled forward ― her elbows pushing into the pew rail, her head in both hands.—
Stephanie Kuzydym,
The Courier-Journal,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The girls’ mother, van Wessel told me, crumpled to the ground next to the grave sites, and had to be carried away from the scene.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Made of a soft Tencel material that doesn’t wrinkle, this dress is a versatile closet staple; dress it up with heels and jewelry, or keep it casual with sneakers and a sweater.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
The crinkled fabric will never look wrinkled or frumpy after being unpacked, making this the perfect travel dress.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Indiana Democrats lack the ability to break quorum and disrupt legislative processes, like their counterparts in Texas are currently doing, Pierce told anchor Kate Bolduan.—
Indianapolis Star,
IndyStar,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Over time, that idea grew into a global platform that disrupted the hotel business and connects millions of travelers with unique places to stay.—
Adam Sarhan,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
To use mousse, rake and then scrunch it into clean, damp hair (after applying a good shampoo for curly hair and leave-in conditioner for curls).—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
23 June 2025
-
The department shared a photo from the rescue on Facebook the following day, showing the tiny nocturnal mammal with its face uncomfortably scrunched into the hole of a storm drain.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The agent glanced at the paper, furrowed his brow, and then looked back at Cristian.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
10 June 2025
-
The waitress put down the coffee pot, furrowed her brow and stared into space for a moment.—
Mark Gauert,
Sun Sentinel,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
The coaching staff shuffled its depth chart, handing extra reps to players who had performed well over the previous nine practices and deserved a longer look.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
4 Aug. 2025
-
From ones that incorporate fans to odes to classic binge-worthy TV, with the help of social media, everyone’s creative wheels are turning — and people are learning one new step after another, feet shuffling, turning, stepping with ease.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Some funds fold from time to time, which is why Morningstar tracked only the ones that survived over the full 12 months.—
Russ Wiles,
AZCentral.com,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Even more useful, this selfie stick folds out into a full-size tripod for non-selfie shots and group photos.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The suit comes with arm sleeves with articulated elbows to minimize creasing, which also extend forward to cover the knuckles, where some of the most turbulent air can be found.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside Online,
12 June 2025
-
Synthetic fabrics and wrinkle-resistant natural fibers don’t wrinkle and crease in the same way as cotton, linen, and other wrinkle-prone fabrics.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rumple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumple. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share