Crumpling is a verb that refers to the act of crushing or folding something into a smaller shape. There are several synonyms for crumpling, including crushing, folding, crumbling, creasing, compressing, and wrinkling. Each of these words, while similar, has its own unique connotation. Crushing and compressing imply a stronger force being applied, while crumbling and creasing suggest a more delicate touch. Folding and wrinkling both involve bending a material, but folding implies intentional folds while wrinkling may be accidental. Overall, each of these words can be used interchangeably with crumpling depending on the desired tone and context.