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
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
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
The luxury of first class, with its lie-flat seats, is typically a bit out of my price range, and economy, while more affordable, can leave me feeling rumpled and groggy upon arrival.
—Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2022
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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
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
The luxury of first class, with its lie-flat seats, is typically a bit out of my price range, and economy, while more affordable, can leave me feeling rumpled and groggy upon arrival.
—Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2022
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
-
How does Carolyn’s hair actually look better a little messy?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Saturday is expected to be the nicest day of the week, with mostly sunny skies and a high around 51, but Sunday could be messy.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Specifically, during a phone call Sullivan had with Eric after the ordeal, which marked a low point for the series as Eric launched into a verbal tirade while cameras captured Sullivan crumpled into a bawling heap.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The Honda’s trunk flew open, the front crumpled.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At the bottom of the steps, Junior Sister was dressed just as haphazardly, brow furrowed with concern.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Some were nodding, brows furrowed, as if in a foreign-language class; others were trying not to bust up laughing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Economic and religious activities disrupted by DHS Muslims in Minneapolis, estimated now to be more than 100,000, have lived in the city for well over a century, and the city has embraced them.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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When breathing stops or becomes shallow, sleep is disrupted and the body may experience drops in oxygen.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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As temperature rises, these vibrations intensify, creating a more chaotic, more resistant barrier that paradoxically hardens the metal’s surface against high-speed stress.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
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While some of Griffin’s jokes may be a product of their time, My Life on the D-List is, all the same, a fascinating snapshot of early aughts celebrity culture in all its chaotic messiness.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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Bad potatoes might be mushy, bruised, wrinkled, moldy, or green.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
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Minutes stretched into hours as Evelyn focused on ensuring her wedding ring didn't slip off her fingers, now waterlogged and wrinkled.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
An Aussie was the winner, but Jaelin Kauf got the silver and Liz Lemley (not to be confused with 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon) won the B final for the bronze.—
John Cherwa,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
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Compassionate care for patients with serious medical conditions should not be confused with broad commercialization of drugs.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rumpled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumpled. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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