What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crumpled
Example
She crumpled the paper and threw it in the trash. [crumpled: verb]
Example
The crumpled shirt was a result of being stuffed in the suitcase. [crumpled: adjective]
crinkled
Example
The old photograph had crinkled edges from being handled so much. [crinkled: adjective]
Example
She crinkled her nose at the smell of the food. [crinkled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crumpled is more commonly used than crinkled in everyday language, especially when referring to paper or fabric that has been crushed or flattened. Crinkled is less common but can be used to describe a more deliberate or intentional effect on an object's surface.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crumpled and crinkled?
Both crumpled and crinkled are informal words that are suitable for casual conversation or writing. However, crumpled may be more commonly used in formal contexts to describe a more severe or extreme change in appearance, while crinkled may be more appropriate for artistic or creative writing to describe a deliberate or intentional effect on an object's surface.
