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
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Recent Examples of rumpled
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
The man fumbled in his tote, then laid a rumpled shirt, some pants, and a pair of cloth shoes on the foot of the gurney.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
But the aesthetic marked by rumpled Oxford shirts and popped polos has also found fertile ground in France, a nation famously resistant to Americanization.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
Multiple parties plead their case to Figgis, who interviews members of the cast and crew behind the scenes, usually with rumpled cloth tacked to the wall behind them.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Natural imperfections in the leaves, such as tiny holes or rumpled edges, add texture and create an authentic natural look.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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
The man fumbled in his tote, then laid a rumpled shirt, some pants, and a pair of cloth shoes on the foot of the gurney.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
But the aesthetic marked by rumpled Oxford shirts and popped polos has also found fertile ground in France, a nation famously resistant to Americanization.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
Multiple parties plead their case to Figgis, who interviews members of the cast and crew behind the scenes, usually with rumpled cloth tacked to the wall behind them.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Natural imperfections in the leaves, such as tiny holes or rumpled edges, add texture and create an authentic natural look.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
-
Extension 24-Pair Shoe Storage Cabinet A pile of footwear cluttering an entryway is an eyesore and makes homes look messy.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Epstein raised this alarm years ago in Range, writing that the best predictors of future elite performance often hide inside messy developmental stories.—
Rachel Barr,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Graham had also been a key supporter of escalation closer to home, in Venezuela, whose government was also being crumpled by the White House into the shape of a singular terrorist network.—
Séamus Malekafzali,
Washington Post,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Then, after Barnes had dragged Newcastle level and the home side had built up attacking pressure, Thiaw crumpled under a challenge from Calvert-Lewin inside his own box, stuck out an arm and handled Jaka Bijol’s nod-down.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Keep an eye out for Jeffrey pines, which will have deeply furrowed bark and round prickly cones.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Trump's pin features a cartoon version of himself with his mouth open, brows furrowed and fists balled at his sides.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
American said Monday that five of its nine hub airports were disrupted by the storm, including its largest hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.—
Laya Neelakandan,Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
-
If your travel is or was disrupted, here’s what airlines owe you for the inconvenience.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While navigating Westport by car or on foot is chaotic right now, the goal is to prevent destruction in the future.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Lazy Susans and magnetic spice racks turn chaotic fridges and spice shelves into functional spaces.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Late in the third quarter, Buzelis turned away from the basket and scrunched up his face in a grimace of disgust.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Fatigue is just part of the deal this season with the schedule scrunched up because of the Olympics.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Even if your flight is only a quick duration, no one wants to look sloppy, wrinkled, or feel uncomfortable.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The metallized effect leaves the pants looking—well—completely wrinkled.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The show is Finding Her Edge, a new ice skating drama that should not be confused with Spinning Out, another Netflix ice skating drama that was cancelled after one season.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Judicial warrants should not be confused with administrative warrants, which are signed by immigration officers.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumpled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumpled. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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