rumpled 1 of 2

rumpled

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verb

past tense of rumple

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 rumpled
Adjective
As a prime example of grunge-girl hair, era icon Alexa Chung has perfected the balance between rumpled and refined. Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 After the meeting, fire officials welcome questions one-on-one in front of large maps of the region, overlaid by the rumpled edges of the fire. Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026 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 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
Verb
Edward Juvier is raspy and rumpled as the imperious theater producer Bela Zangler. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026 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
  • Traditional approaches to studying cause-and-effect relationships are often not possible when investigating populations and ecosystems, which are large, complex and messy.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Too many items or mismatched pieces on open shelves and racks can make a room look disorganized and messy.
    Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The 23-year-old crumpled to the ground, clutching his left hand before walking off with trainers.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
  • By all accounts, DC Studios’ Supergirl crumpled beneath the red sun of paltry box-office returns, taking in just $38 million domestically over its opening weekend.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • At the combine, as executives and scouts furrowed their brows and furtively took notes, Mann and I stood on the concourse, watching team personnel watch prospects work out.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
  • They were furrowed throughout his testimony.
    Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Costs had been on the decline since March 2025, following a massive outbreak of bird flu that disrupted the egg supply and sent retail prices soaring.
    Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The outage, now in its 11th day, has disrupted access to medical records, prescription histories, and scheduling systems.
    Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • More has been learned about the chaotic moments leading up to Friday's violent disruption at a Midtown synagogue.
    Allen Devlin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In the five years since the chaotic US withdrawal from Kabul and the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan has become home to one of the world’s worst human rights and humanitarian emergencies.
    Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As the players headed to their benches and the officials took their customary walks to the scorer’s table for the time out, Atkinson scrunched his face, stuck out his hands, and mockingly clapped toward Blair — who ignored the obvious taunt.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Louis' scrunched up face got an affectionate giggle out of his dad as the two sat side-by-side at the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Unfortunately, linen is well-known for being easily wrinkled, and proper washing is crucial to maintain the integrity of linen.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 27 July 2026
  • There’s arguably nothing more annoying than rushing out the door to an event, only to realize your dress is wrinkled and needs to be steamed.
    Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • This reserve should not be confused with a permanent investment strategy.
    Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • River otters are not to be confused with sea otters, which live in the ocean, bays and harbors and can grow to be up to five feet and 100 pounds.
    Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rumpled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rumpled. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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