as in messy
lacking in order, neatness, and often cleanliness
a rumpled room that suited its teenage occupant just fine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crumpled
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in disrupted
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
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Recent Examples of rumpled
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Erika’s brother, Klaus (August Diehl), sits naked by a rumpled bed with last night’s conquest still muddled up with his sheets, talking on the phone to his sister.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Because this is a Jean-Luc Godard film, only Lemmy Caution (Eddie Constantine), a rumpled American private eye who seems to have stepped straight out of one of the classic Hollywood noirs Godard loved.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Vanessa Bonet of the installation art group Dedo Vabo watched over a mission-control monitor deck, as the buzzing craft climbed into room full of braying hippos in rumpled suits.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Both the oak and walnut speak to traditional Japandi styles, and both would look particularly handsome with a rumpled, fluffy set of TEKLA sheets to polish off the cozy look.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 16 Mar. 2026
While the ultra-modern, pin-straight iteration may be the first image to come to mind, its more rumpled little sister pairs seamlessly with the natural texture of curls and coils.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Several of the most striking photographs in the book are of the studio itself, which appears empty except for a pair of high heels reflected in a wall of mirrors or a rumpled military blanket, a favorite backdrop, pinned to a bare wall.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
When our dissatisfaction came adorably clothed in rumpled flannels and baggy jeans?
—Nora Dahlia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
When his teams didn’t entertain, Moe became the show, this cursing, grumbling, rumpled 6-foot-5 firebrand who dressed like a ’70s private detective, a disheveled anti-hero who detested suits.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
He was rumpled in the summer heat and wearing a collarless white shirt.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Years of unpacking creased, rumpled clothing and settling on a lesser-cute backup outfit have taught me to prioritize building my travel wardrobe around wrinkle-free pieces.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2026
Erika’s brother, Klaus (August Diehl), sits naked by a rumpled bed with last night’s conquest still muddled up with his sheets, talking on the phone to his sister.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Because this is a Jean-Luc Godard film, only Lemmy Caution (Eddie Constantine), a rumpled American private eye who seems to have stepped straight out of one of the classic Hollywood noirs Godard loved.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Vanessa Bonet of the installation art group Dedo Vabo watched over a mission-control monitor deck, as the buzzing craft climbed into room full of braying hippos in rumpled suits.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Both the oak and walnut speak to traditional Japandi styles, and both would look particularly handsome with a rumpled, fluffy set of TEKLA sheets to polish off the cozy look.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 16 Mar. 2026
While the ultra-modern, pin-straight iteration may be the first image to come to mind, its more rumpled little sister pairs seamlessly with the natural texture of curls and coils.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Several of the most striking photographs in the book are of the studio itself, which appears empty except for a pair of high heels reflected in a wall of mirrors or a rumpled military blanket, a favorite backdrop, pinned to a bare wall.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
When our dissatisfaction came adorably clothed in rumpled flannels and baggy jeans?
—Nora Dahlia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
The silver hide rumpled and stretched over the massive body.
—Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
When his teams didn’t entertain, Moe became the show, this cursing, grumbling, rumpled 6-foot-5 firebrand who dressed like a ’70s private detective, a disheveled anti-hero who detested suits.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
He was rumpled in the summer heat and wearing a collarless white shirt.
—Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumpled
Adjective
-
Will America be messy once again, pairing Sol with Sincere, basically recreating last year’s drama when Jeremiah was paired with Iris?—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
-
Consider transplanting smaller plants farther away so that feasting birds will leave their messy droppings elsewhere.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The front of the sedan was crumpled.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
-
One of the victims fled to a McDonald's restaurant where his bloodstained clothes, which were likely cut off by paramedics, were crumpled on the floor near the entrance.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
When young, a ginkgo’s bark is alluringly smooth; with age, it is eminently furrowed.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
6 Dec. 2025
-
Lina glances at the ceiling, brow furrowed.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And of how Iran’s preparation for this World Cup has been disrupted, this is definitely among the more minor.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Travelers whose flights are disrupted should keep an eye out for change fee waivers and rebooking options from their airline.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The truth in this case — as is often true — is specific, chaotic, at times just dumb.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
The world is chaotic and noisy, and her approach demands patience, of which supply is limited.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Reduce frizz, add shine, and offer your curls a soft, flexible hold with Bumble and Bumble's Curl Defining Styling Cream, which should be scrunched into wet hair from mid-shaft to ends before air drying or diffusing.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
25 Mar. 2026
-
James then scrunched his face into a sarcastic, close-eyed smile.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Avoid cucumbers that are soft, yellow, or wrinkled.—
Susan Hall Mahon,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
-
Crepey skin is an inevitable part of aging, and it’s characterized by loose, thin, and wrinkled skin on the neck, hands, jawline, and around the mouth.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
The novel part of the counterclaim is the claim that TP-Link has successfully confused American consumers and retailers about ditching its Chinese ties.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
12 June 2026
-
The shirts were polarizing, however, with some fans confused about Swift's attendance.—
Marina Watts,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumpled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumpled. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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