1
as in to scrunch
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in
crumpled the piece of paper and angrily threw it in the wastebasket
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2
as in to collapse
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the box crumpled when I accidentally dropped a brick on it
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Recent Examples of crumple
Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, the 33-story building under construction, with a crane on top, crumpled into a cloud of dust, and onlookers could be seen screaming and running in other videos posted to social media.
—
Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
At the end of his postgame availability, James crumpled up the paper and shot it into a nearby garbage can.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, a 33-story building under construction, with a crane on top, crumpled into a cloud of dust, and onlookers could be seen screaming and running in a video posted on social media.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
The area of the car between the front bumper and the cabin is designed to absorb energy from crashes by crumpling.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crumple
Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
At the end of his postgame availability, James crumpled up the paper and shot it into a nearby garbage can.
—Jovan Buha, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Near Bangkok’s popular Chatuchak market, a 33-story building under construction, with a crane on top, crumpled into a cloud of dust, and onlookers could be seen screaming and running in a video posted on social media.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
The area of the car between the front bumper and the cabin is designed to absorb energy from crashes by crumpling.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for crumple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crumple
Verb
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Then, scrunch mousse in, coating the hair from the roots to ends.—
Natasha Marsh,
Allure,
7 Apr. 2025
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As Chelsea, Wood widens her eyes and slants her eyebrows up when confused, bares her teeth and scrunches her whole face in terror, and barely contains her smile when smitten.—
Ashliene McMenamy,
Allure,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Kings Kings rally to take lead, only to collapse in third period of Game 3 loss to Oilers April 25, 2025 In Game 4 the Kings led with less than 35 seconds to play when Quinton Byfield failed to make a simple clearance out of the Kings’ zone.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
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The agreement was due to be signed in February but collapsed in the wake of a heated exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over how to end the Ukraine-Russia war.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Verb
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For small decks and porches, this folding side table can be placed flush against balconies and home exteriors, occupying minimal floor space while providing a convenient spot to dine and chat over a meal or a cup of coffee.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Delfina rolls out the pasta then flicks a huge piece the size of the table out like a bed sheet, folds it concertina style and slices it up finely.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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That energy focus has been weighing on GGN, since oil has been tumbling with stocks as of late.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Spotify shares tumbled after its Q1 numbers and 2025 forecasts with the stock down a hefty 9% mid-morning.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Traditional linen pants typically wrinkle easily, but according to several reviewers, this pair made from linen and cotton — the perfect combo for breezy summer pants — do not.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2025
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Nessa wrinkles her nose when Elphie wheels her closer.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Crumple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crumple. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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