crumples

VERB

make or become wrinkled

Synonyms

STRONGEST

break down buckle crush scrunch

STRONG

collapse crease crimp crinkle fall fold pucker ruck rumple screw shrivel wad wrinkle

WEAK

cave in crimple give way go to pieces rimple

Antonyms

STRONG

flatten rise smooth straighten

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If people and institutions and businesses and government stand up to him, he crumples.

From Slate • Jan. 23, 2026

As he talks, his face crumples into a sob.

From BBC • May 8, 2025

Bynum keeps the camera on her as Jessie crumples her face in her hands.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

The situation is akin to a car that crumples in a crash: the vehicle absorbs the impact to protect passengers, but it is totaled.

From Scientific American • Feb. 22, 2023

It crumples on the stone in a jewel-encrusted pile.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black