crinkled

Definition of crinklednext
past tense of crinkle
1
as in rustled
to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving a paper seat cover that crinkles with every move

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2
3
as in furrowed
to develop creases or folds her forehead crinkled in consternation when her guests failed to arrive on time

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 crinkled Also at the premiere was Charli XCX, who went pantsless in a gray corset and tights, and Kylie Jenner, who wore an ab-baring sculptural crinkled top and a low-rise long skirt. Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 As a result, the new foliage may look crinkled or stunted, with the aphids usually plainly visible around the stem. Jon Vanzile, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026 Shaq started to answer and then crinkled a piece of paper over the microphone to muffle his response. MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Appropriate for daytime and evenings alike, the Kiki pumps are also offered in plum and crinkled metallic silver. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025 The boy crinkled his nose with glee. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The city's most memorable bites are unveiled from silver cloche and crinkled tin foil alike, some requiring reservations months in advance and others ordered on a whim in the dead of night. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkled
Verb
  • The tremors from Old Trafford also rustled the papers on the desk of Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The wind rustled gently through the leaves, and the only other sound was the soft buzz of bees moving from flower to flower.
    Menganyi Moroga, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The injury occurred on a breakaway in Dallas last Monday, leaving Moody crumpled on the floor and requiring a stretcher.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Boz just towers over her, is confident and assured as always, and Rachel is all crumpled up and just wants to get out of there.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At 88, the legendary artist, dressed in a black smock, was filmed walking through the eroded sculptural features of the badlands, her face furrowed by age, her eyes still blazing.
    John Burnett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
  • At the bottom of the steps, Junior Sister was dressed just as haphazardly, brow furrowed with concern.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Though many were faded and dusty, the assemblages nevertheless crackled with an almost urgent vibrancy, beckoning the viewer closer.
    News Desk, Artforum, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That’s what Prager was dreaming of, at least, before the radio crackled below.
    Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Bad potatoes might be mushy, bruised, wrinkled, moldy, or green.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Minutes stretched into hours as Evelyn focused on ensuring her wedding ring didn't slip off her fingers, now waterlogged and wrinkled.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Pair with a cropped trench coat, creased denim, and shield sunglasses for an effortlessly cool look.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The light was honeyed, her face in it creased with worry.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkled. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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