Synonyms of scrunching

scrunching

verb

present participle of scrunch

1

as in crumpling

to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in

scrunched up the shirt and tossed it in the laundry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crumpling
• folding
• wrinkling
• crinkling
• creasing
• furrowing
• puckering
• rumpling
• ruffling
• rippling
• corrugating
• crimping
• knitting
• pleating
• crisping
• rucking
• contracting
• mussing (up)
• messing (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flattening
• smoothing
• straightening
• evening
• pressing
• ironing
• ironing out
• smoothening
• unfolding
• uncrumpling
• tidying
• neatening

2

as in crouching

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

• crouching
• huddling
• hunching
• squatting
• couching
• hunkering (down)
• squinching
• curling up

3

as in scraping

to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound

scrunched loose gravel with every footstep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scraping
• scratching
• gritting
• crunching
• grinding
• creaking
• groaning
• grating
• gnashing
• whining
• moaning
• clashing
• colliding
• jarring
• rasping
• jangling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scrunching

Pick Ups Toe pick-ups involve picking up small items by scrunching your toes around them. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

In the meantime, Atomi encourages people to try the supine core and toe-scrunching exercises at home. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 29 Apr. 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

To re-create the style, Abramite recommends adding mousse to damp hair and blow-drying with a diffuser while scrunching for volume at the roots and expansion throughout. — Marci Robin, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025

And some ankle booties with wedge heels might appear moderate, but can actually throw your weight onto the balls of your feet, scrunching your toes up against the toe box. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025

But on a multi-night getaway, scrunching a sweatshirt behind your head gets old fast. — Emily Pennington, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2025