1
2
as in crumpling
to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in
crinkled the candy wrapper up and threw it away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 crinkling
From gourmet treats to squeaky and crinkling toys, your dog or cat will appreciate these festive little surprises.
—
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkling
Verb
-
Not a leaf rustling toward autumn.—
Ellen Bass,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
End your drive with a stay at Chinati Hot Springs, and soak in the steaming springwater beneath rustling cottonwoods and the glittering expanse of Texas stars.—
Eva Frederick,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Moses Moody scored 23 points before crumpling to the floor with an apparently serious left knee injury late in overtime as the Golden State Warriors beat Dallas 137-131 on Monday night, extending the Mavericks' home losing streak to 12 games, their longest in 32 years.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Late on, with the game already won, James Garner and substitute Merlin Rohl chased Enzo Fernandez, sending him crumpling to the turf.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Nothing kills an outfit faster than a rigid denim waistband digging into your sides or linen trousers wrinkling at the first sign of sitting.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This helps prevent wrinkling and allows the sheets to be cleaned thoroughly, Sullivan and Wang say.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There were crackling sounds coming from the radio, someone speaking over the noise of a crowd.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
-
And then, crackling across the radio in both Gemini 7 and Mission Control, just nine days before Christmas of 1965, came a tiny, tinny chorus of Jingle Bells, performed live, on a small harmonica and small set of bells—contraband Schirra had smuggled aboard his ship.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
Then, after nearly a decade as a partner, that voice stopped whispering and started roaring.—
Suzanne Roske,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Smaller seats, less legroom, meals on a budget, and now someone whispering indiscreet sweet nothings to their lover in my ear.—
Charlie Hobbs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Light-diffusing pigments blur the look of dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone with a soft-focus effect, while the proprietary Flex Form Matrix technology creates a breathable layer that moves with the skin throughout the day—without settling into fine lines or creasing.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
10 May 2026
-
This step builds on the eye cream by extending that moisture barrier across the full face and preventing the delicate eye area from drying out and creasing as the day goes on.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The bird appears to enjoy the flight and can be heard squeaking from inside the cabin.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And the offense did just enough, squeaking past the Steelers and Patriots.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
