scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch How to pronounce scrunch (audio)
Definition of scrunchnext
1
as in to crumple
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in scrunched up the shirt and tossed it in the laundry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bottle is scrunched up, but the distinctive logo from the ABC series remains. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2026 Pick Ups Toe pick-ups involve picking up small items by scrunching your toes around them. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026 After a period of this training, the worms came to associate the light with the shock and scrunched their bodies in anticipation whenever the light flashed. — Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2026 The stretchy, slightly-compressive fabric is ultra-flattering and breathable enough for all-day wear, and the hem is long enough to easily tuck into pants or scrunch up for a cropped look. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch
  1. crumple
  2. crouch
  3. scrape
  4. fold
  5. grit
  6. scratch
Verb
  • The aircraft crashed to the ground in a private farm field near McMinnville Municipal Airport, officials said, with a red helicopter left crumpled in pieces and a green helicopter lying upside down.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
  • On his last two drives, he was pressured into oblivion, forced to throw off-balance once and crumpled to the ground one other time.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of crumple
Verb
  • The beaming toddler could be seen crouching over a large pumpkin outside while wearing a navy blue rain jacket, blue jeans that were cuffed at the bottom, and a pair of orange boots.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Video shows that intrepid fan crouched behind the defensive line and then batted down the pass from Davidson.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of crouch
Verb
  • By 2022 — four years after the contract had expired — Olsen was ailing and DeFalco was trying to scrape together money to pay for Olsen’s caregiver.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The company says the update is not about scraping news sites.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of scrape
Verb
  • The set includes two chairs and a round table that fold flat for convenient storage when not in use, and comes in chic shades like blue, green, red, and yellow for a cheerful pop of color.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The shift is tied to broader wellness behavior, with younger consumers folding emotional well-being into daily self-care.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of fold
Verb
  • Take a rock, grit his teeth, and stave in that beautiful, trusting face?
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • And those options extend well beyond a binary choice between taking an opioid and gritting your teeth.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of grit
Verb
  • The Senators’ most head-scratching trade of the summer, acquiring him for a 2027 sixth-round pick, has proved fruitless.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • State inspections also cited other pests (roaches and flies), as well as staff hygiene issues, including one employee seen scratching their nose then handling clean utensils.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of scratch

Browse Nearby Words

scrums
scrunch
scrunched
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Cite this Entry

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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