Synonyms of scrunch

scrunch

verb

ˈskrənch 

1

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

• crumple
• fold
• wrinkle
• crinkle
• ruffle
• pucker
• crease
• rumple
• furrow
• ripple
• knit
• crimp
• crisp
• pleat
• corrugate
• ruck
• muss (up)
• contract
• mess (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flatten
• straighten
• smooth
• iron out
• press
• even
• iron
• smoothen
• unfold
• uncrumple
• tidy
• neaten

2

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

• crouch
• huddle
• squat
• hunch
• couch
• hunker (down)
• curl up
• squinch

3

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

• scrape
• grit
• scratch
• crunch
• grind
• groan
• creak
• grate
• gnash
• moan
• whine
• jar
• collide
• clash
• rasp
• jangle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scrunch

After a period of this training, the worms came to associate the light with the shock and scrunched their bodies in anticipation whenever the light flashed. — Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2026

The stretchy, slightly-compressive fabric is ultra-flattering and breathable enough for all-day wear, and the hem is long enough to easily tuck into pants or scrunch up for a cropped look. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026

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