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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rumpled
Adjective
-
Adding a dust ruffle around the base of your bed can make this spot even better for keeping messy items hidden.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Art Supplies Art supplies will get messy fast if those tubes and bottles leak or burst.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The Nuggets were playing the Miami Heat when Jokic crumpled to the ground holding his knee at the tail end of the first half.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
But his direct gaze, furrowed brow and serious demeanor stand out, as does the rubble behind him.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The Lakers disrupted alley-oop attempts to Castle and Luke Kornet in the opening minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
During a three-game losing streak that began with a loss to Arkansas State, Arkansas has been turnover prone and seen its dribble-drive offense disrupted.—
Ethan Westerman,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
By contrast, fringe subcultures operate in a more cryptic and chaotic manner.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Much of the movie's story revolves around Marty's chaotic efforts to make enough money to travel to Japan and compete in a tournament there.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The beauty of a great lightweight puffer is that it can be worn as an insert or an overcoat, and it can even be tightly scrunched up into a tiny ball to be used as a makeshift travel pillow on the plane.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Dec. 2025
-
Unlike a typical golden, her dog sports an underbite and scrunched nose, giving her a uniquely charming expression.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The metallized effect leaves the pants looking—well—completely wrinkled.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Instead of throwing it out, use old or leftover tissue paper as packing material, in crafts, and to keep items from becoming wrinkled or tangled.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Sassounian, for his part, doesn’t think there’s any risk the two California Couriers would ever be confused with each other.—
Colin Lecher,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Many of the event’s attendees were confused about — or ignorant of — what had occurred on the other side of the court house.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumpled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumpled. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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