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 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 The hair architect uses a combination of creams, oils, hydrating shampoos and conditioners to scrunch and set his viral curls. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026 He could be seen scrunching his face in anticipation. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch
Verb
  • Spread the bedding out as much as possible in the machine so it’s not crumpled or folded.
    Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
  • One woman crumpled into the arms of her fellow protesters.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Kunkel, a freelance journalist at a protest outside an immigration detention center in Chicago on September 26, was crouched behind a van when an agent took aim from a safe perch behind a chain link fence.
    Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
  • People stood, crouched and leaned against cars, eating shawarma, nihari burgers, kunafa and stretchy ice cream.
    Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The e-commerce giant sued Perplexity late last year, alleging the startup was concealing its AI agents that were scraping Amazon’s site.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • MAKfam, a Chinese restaurant with a Michelin nod for its value, faced a tough first-round opponent, The Empress Seafood, and scraped out a win.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • There is also the infamous image of Trump at the 2018 G7, during which he was photographed sitting with his arms folded as other world leaders, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, tried to engage him.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Is there anything better than getting your clothes back impeccably folded into beautiful rattan boxes?
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 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
  • After going down two goals, the Galaxy scratched back on an 82nd-minute goal by Marco Reus.
    Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The 23-year-old middle infielder was due to start at second base but was scratched with left knee soreness.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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