scrunch

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 Kavya tugs on my arm, her nose is scrunched up, eyebrows discombobulated. Navdeep Singh Dhillon, Parents, 21 Aug. 2025 Her nose scrunches up like something smells bad in here. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 19 Aug. 2025 An image of his little face, scrunched in discomfort, but no sound coming from his little mouth, was instantly clear. Zoë Jones, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2025 GloRilla tapped into a too-cool-for-school uniform aesthetic at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, styling plaid with black peep-toe platform shoes and scrunched white socks. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for scrunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch
Verb
  • Barkov crumpled to the ice during the team’s first full preseason practice after minor contact Thursday.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The sixth inning also featured a frightening moment when Cleveland’s David Fry, squaring around to bunt, took a 99 mph fastball from Skubal off his face, crumpling to the dirt as Skubal reacted with distress.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The dance began with Irwin crouched atop a Jeep suped up for safari, with the junior conservationist correspondingly decked in the head-to-toe khaki uniform made famous by his dad.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In one instance, a colleague entered Aber’s office to find an inmate crouched under his desk, according to an affidavit filed against Aber in the criminal case.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cook over medium-low, whisking and scraping side of pan constantly, until thickened and bubbly, 10 to 12 minutes.
    Emily Teel, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Cindric scraped the outside wall on his qualifying lap and will start 26th.
    Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Engineers from Polytechnique Montréal have unveiled a new parachute concept based on kirigami, the Japanese art of folding and cutting.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But instead of folding in the face of adversity, Penix rose to the occasion and put together arguably the best performance of his career, which has seemingly given him a huge confidence boost moving forward.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Then there's seals, assuming these rods will extend through a rubber tire surface that gets covered in all kinds of mud, liquid and grit on a daily basis.
    Loz Blain September 23, New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2025
  • But to not be satisfied and still find ways to grit out some wins is a huge deal.
    Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Security camera footage revealed that Tyrese’s dogs were running loose and scratching at a neighbor’s door across the street minutes before Henry was attacked and killed.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Security footage from a nearby house showed the dogs scratching at someone’s door and running through yards before Henry was allegedly attacked.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scrunch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!