Definition

To move or make a sound by crushing or squeezing something tightly, often resulting in a crunching noise.

Example

The children scrunched together to fit into the small tent.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that noise outside?

Yeah, it sounded like someone was scrunching through the leaves.

I wonder if it's just the wind or something else.

Maybe it's a squirrel — they love to scrunch around in the fall.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A noise made by something being crushed or crumpled, often sounding like a crunch.

Example

The scrunch of leaves underfoot signaled the arrival of autumn.

Conversation

Did you hear that loud scrunch when I stepped on the leaves?

Yeah, it was pretty noisy!

I love that sound; it reminds me of fall.

Definition

To crush or squeeze something tightly, often making a noise like crunching.

Example

She scrunched the paper into a ball and threw it away.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I always scrunch my papers when I’m frustrated.

That’s one way to release some stress!

Yeah, sometimes it just feels good to scrunch them up.

Root Explanation

Scrunch is believed to originate from the dialectal English word 'scrunch', which means to crush or crunch. The word captures the action of compressing or squeezing something tightly, often resulting in a crumpled or distorted shape.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of something being 'crushed' or 'crunched' — that's what scrunch means, to compress or squeeze tightly.

Visually Confused Words