scrunch

Definition of scrunchnext
1
2
as in to crouch
to lie low with the limbs close to the body the climbers scrunched down on the leeward side of a large boulder and waited for the storm to pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to scrape
to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound scrunched loose gravel with every footstep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 scrunch 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 use as a makeshift travel pillow on the plane. Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026 He could be seen scrunching his face in anticipation. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and use your toes to grab and curl the towel toward you, scrunching it up several times before switching sides. Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Dec. 2025 Once the glue has cooled, scrunch the fabric down the middle to create a bowtie shape. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch
Verb
  • Colbert took a paper copy with the CBS statement, crumpled it, and put it in a plastic bag typically used to collect dog feces.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Irving accidentally stepped on then-Kings center Jonas Valančiūnas’ foot and crumpled to the ground in pain.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Inside a drop-like form with a long, straight tail is the lower part of a human body, crouched and holding its knees below a large sphere with an open perforation at the top.
    Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The girl crouches because there is no room to stand.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For much of the last decade, Mustaine has experienced significant discomfort since the cartilage in the tips of his fingers has worn away from decades of frenzied playing, causing the bones to scrape together.
    Jon Wiederhorn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • There are 618 McDonald's restaurants in Ohio, according to the web scraping tool ScrapeHero.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Richardson’s inquiry has been folded into the royal commission and he has been appointed Bell’s special adviser.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • However, there are no center cupholders, fold down arm rests, air vents, or USB ports in the rear seats, meaning passengers will need to rely on the driver or front seat passenger for assistance with air and charging.
    Scotty Reiss, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But the Olympic debutant gritted her teeth and tried to forget about her throbbing, bruised knee.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But the rain calmed concerns that the state was heading into a severe dry spell, washed the soot and grit out of the air, and boosted conditions at Lake Tahoe area ski resorts.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Samaniego scratched Tyler Samaniego was due to make his Red Sox debut Saturday, but was scratched due to back tightness.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Feb. 2026
  • In a season filled with head-scratching moments in late-game situations, the Rockets may have suffered their biggest collapse yet in a 108-106 defeat to the Knicks on Saturday.
    William Guillory, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

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