crinkling

verb

present participle of crinkle
1
as in rustling
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
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
3
as in wrinkling
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 crinkling Quince’s vacation shop has an entire lineup of summer styles in cotton gauze, modal, and tencel, all light enough to keep you comfortable on the hottest days — and structured to maintain their shape without crinkling up in your luggage. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crinkling
  1. rustling
  2. crumpling
  3. wrinkling
  4. crackling
  5. scrunching
  6. creasing
  7. whispering
  8. squeaking
Verb
  • Pink noise is softer and deeper, closer to rustling leaves or ocean waves.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That 7dBA output is practically inaudible—quieter than rustling leaves (around 20dBA) and well below the 25dBA to 30dBA ambient floor of a quiet library or nighttime bedroom.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of rustling
Verb
  • But Mulderrig’s red Harley-Davidson Sportster slammed into the rear passenger side of Oates’ Cadillac, crumpling the back corner and twisting the wheel out of shape.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Euphoric players cavorting in disbelief, long-suffering fans crumpling to their knees in tears, commentators’ voices cracking at the drama of it all.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of crumpling
Verb
  • The symptom that alarmed me most in that moment was the progressive skin wrinkling in some NCBRS teens.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Synthetic suede was used on the pink toe tip in 2011, but the shoe now features the real thing in order to avoid wrinkling and folding.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of wrinkling
Verb
  • The footage later showed smoke coming from the home as the fire intensified, with sparks visible and the sound of crackling flames audible.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Go for a scenic drive, pop into an orchard for a cider tasting, and conclude your day in front of a crackling fireplace.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of crackling
Verb
  • Next, flip the head forward while scrunching upwards to help enhance curl definition.
    — Elise Tabin, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Pick Ups Toe pick-ups involve picking up small items by scrunching your toes around them.
    — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026
Definition of scrunching
Verb
  • The formula is designed to deliver up to 16 hours of wear without primer and is resistant to creasing, caking, fading and smudging.
    — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Samsung has unveiled a new flexible display technology for foldable phones that’s designed to be slimmer, more durable, and less prone to creasing.
    — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 15 July 2026
Definition of creasing
Verb
  • Testosterone replacement therapy prescriptions are climbing fast, and the men on them are no longer whispering about it.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Social media companies are hesitant to allow promotion on their platforms, and Hollywood is whispering that the tech mogul’s power might keep the public from opportunities to see the film.
    — Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of whispering
Verb
  • It’s been 18 years since anyone’s heard the wheels of a shopping cart squeaking across the cement floor of Dillons in Shawnee.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Red Oak opened district play by squeaking past Mansfield (23-20), but the Hawks got drilled by Duncanville (42-0) to follow.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeaking

Browse Nearby Words

crinkles
crinkling
cripple
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Cite this Entry

“Crinkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crinkling. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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