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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Similar in appearance to savoy spinach, but semi-savoy is moderately crinkled and easier to handle, says Kasper. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026 Here, the creative studio pitches concepts like jeans with cutoff waistbands, crinkled barely-there washes, repairs and rounded patchwork and super flare silhouettes that mimic ’70s DIY fits. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026 Borage is a gorgeous plant, with showy blue blooms and crinkled, gray-green leaves. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • When officials noticed, the person crumpled the page and, in front of everyone, swallowed it.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Some might view that as a bad thing, given that the Broncos’ run-game consistency crumpled after that Dobbins injury.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 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
  • Lightning strikes crackled through the clouds 37 times during the storm in Ada County, according to the meteorologist.
    Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • My skin is wrinkled and worn from age, reflecting years of experience and wisdom.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The last thing Louise saw before losing consciousness was this woman’s face, wrinkled in an unapologetic way, old, shamelessly old, defiantly so.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The father was wearing a button-down shirt, creased from wear but evidently well-ironed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Pair with a cropped trench coat, creased denim, and shield sunglasses for an effortlessly cool look.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Crinkled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkled. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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