SCRUNCH Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch

Definition of scrunch

as in to crumple

to create (as by crushing) an irregular mass of creases in scrunched up the shirt and tossed it in the laundry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to crouch

to lie low with the limbs close to the body the climbers scrunched down on the leeward side of a large boulder and waited for the storm to pass

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to scrape

to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound scrunched loose gravel with every footstep

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 scrunch As the players headed to their benches and the officials took their customary walks to the scorer’s table for the time out, Atkinson scrunched his face, stuck out his hands, and mockingly clapped toward Blair — who ignored the obvious taunt. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 May 2026 In the meantime, Atomi encourages people to try the supine core and toe-scrunching exercises at home. — Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026 Plus, van Ness explains that the product doesn’t have to be used for heat styling alone—curly or textured hair can simply scrunch it in to help smooth unwanted frizz too. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for scrunch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrunch

Verb

According to National Geographic, as the Arabian plate began to move further under the Eurasian plate, the two plates crumpled together, creating the Zagros Mountains — an impressive stretch of peaks that still exist in Iran.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
This means using quick, decisive movements to crumple the paper into the jar and seal it.

— Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of crumple

Verb

Davis was captured on cell phone video, crouching over French’s body, hysterically telling responding cops to stay away from him.

— Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026
Ordinarily, Sinner attacks with explosive energy, crouching on his long legs before springing upward, his feet leaving the ground after each shot.

— Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of crouch

Verb

Together, the family scraped together $60,000 from savings and a Small Business Administration loan and opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, California, in 1973.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Burger King has 286 locations in Ohio, according to the data-scraping website ScrapeHero.

— Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scrape

Verb

As the massive steel sallyport doors of the Clark County Detention Center fold open, Davis is taken one block from his cell to the courthouse.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Light While the tech world is hotly anticipating next month's Apple event and the unveiling of the iPhone Ultra, the company's first foldable, Light is expanding their tech stack with a folding device of their own.

— Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fold

Verb

Health officials say people can prevent rabies by keeping bats out of homes, vaccinating their pets and washing bites or scratches with soap and water before seeking medical help.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Marte began his week by failing to show up to Fenway Park for the team’s game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday and was scratched from the lineup minutes before first pitch.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of scratch

Browse Nearby Words

scrums

scrunch

scrunched

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Style

“Scrunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrunch. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrunch

verb

Example Sentences

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