scrunched

Definition of scrunchednext
past tense of scrunch
1
2
as in crouched
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 scraped
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 scrunched 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 Mind you, that was also by design — the west side of the stadium was roped off entirely, so that 50% of capacity was scrunched into one half of the building. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 Further inspection found a Mexican citizen scrunched into a makeshift, dry compartment in the gas tank that February day. Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Reduce frizz, add shine, and offer your curls a soft, flexible hold with Bumble and Bumble's Curl Defining Styling Cream, which should be scrunched into wet hair from mid-shaft to ends before air drying or diffusing. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026 James then scrunched his face into a sarcastic, close-eyed smile. Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 This faux leather style features an elegant, rounded collar and scrunched sleeves that together create a bold, endlessly versatile piece that can be thrown over a dress and knee-high boots for an afternoon brunch, or paired with denim and sneakers for a day of exploring. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026 Dries Van Noten wrapped a denim trench coat in a colorful, tapestry-like belts, scrunched baggy jeans into shin-grazing boots and added a bomber-style collar to a denim blazer. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunched
Verb
  • Midway through the second period, Dorofeyev blocked a slap shot off the inside of his knee and crumpled to the ice in pain.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The hardcore ankle boots are now dehydrated and crumpled.
    Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Journalists and other attendees can be seen crouched under tables as federal officers swarmed the ballroom.
    Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Inside the restroom, Quinton crouched near a corner.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Once your tsukemen appears — terrifically chewy noodles built to catch every drop of the accompanying half-broth, half-gravy, as heady as drippings scraped from a roasting pan — the world recedes.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Late Wednesday morning at Jalisco’s in Kansas City, Kansas, longtime customers scraped their forks against their plates, enjoying some of their final bites at the restaurant.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe a whole roast chicken appeared, or its meat was folded into a gooey casserole with a few peas and carrot chunks.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2026
  • The umbrellas were folded, and the van sped off to drive the four blocks to the Met.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Jocks and mean girls relished in the mainstream, while the freaks and losers huddled over video-game music and alt weirdness.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
  • One still image captured about two dozen flamingos huddled inside a zoo bathroom, the stall doors closed and the floor covered in straw.
    Douglas Hanks May 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 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
  • The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Westlake graduate missed just one game earlier this season but gritted his way through an undisclosed injury.
    Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 12 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even if your flight is only a quick duration, no one wants to look sloppy, wrinkled, or feel uncomfortable.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • My skin is wrinkled and worn from age, reflecting years of experience and wisdom.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Most of them were spent on the third defensive pairing, and then the 22-year-old was scratched for Tyson Hinds late in the year as Quenneville favored the size of Hinds, who spent most of his season in the American Hockey League.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Replace scratched non-stick pans with cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic cookware.
    Ryan Brennan May 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrunched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunched. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scrunched

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster