wrinkle up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wrinkle up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something becoming wrinkled or creased, often referring to fabric or skin. Example: "As the shirt sat in the dryer for too long, it began to wrinkle up, making it look unkempt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And then, after the briefest of pauses, Taylor Kitsch's perfect eyes wrinkle up and his perfect mouth emits a perfect laugh, all manly and throaty and sounding of a thousand cigarettes.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe it's because they don't wrinkle up or maybe we've just forgotten how inconvenient they are, but they're starting to appeal for layering over T-shirts and under dresses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Eventually it's going to wrinkle up and I'm not going to be able to use it.

Huffington Post

Loll your tongue out, cross your eyes and wrinkle up your nose.

WikiHow

Fear not if the leave you propagate from starts to wrinkle up a little - it's all fine as long it doesn't turn brown and mushy.

WikiHow

At the same time, if you choose underwear that is too loose, it can easily wrinkle up inside your clothes leaving you lacking a smooth, sleek look and just showing wrinkles and bumps.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In contrast to the ataraxia of Daenerys, Emilia's charming brow is often wrinkled up with amusement, while her dark eyebrows are as mobile as a couple of ferrets in a sack.

The New York Times

When I ask if he'd try one and tell me if it tastes like the Slim Jims of old, he wrinkles up his face and says, "Why not?" He chews for a moment, then shrugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a result, Titan contracted and the overlying icy crust sagged and wrinkled up like a giant prune.

Science Magazine

Then the strawberries dried out, wrinkling up like the heads of deformed babies".

Huffington Post

On arriving at the dealership, I showed the auto technician and wrinkling up his nose, he said encouragingly, "Don't worry, we'll take care of it".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fabric or paper, use "wrinkle up" to indicate the formation of creases or folds due to handling or lack of care. For example: "The shirt will wrinkle up easily if not ironed."

Common error

Avoid using "wrinkle up" interchangeably with verbs like "crumple" or "crease" without considering the specific context. "Crumple" often implies a more forceful action, while "crease" refers to a sharper, more defined line. "Wrinkle up" is generally more applicable to softer, less defined lines and surfaces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wrinkle up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of something becoming wrinkled or creased. As evidenced by Ludwig, this is most commonly used in relation to physical objects or facial expressions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "wrinkle up" describes the action of forming wrinkles or creases and is generally considered grammatically correct, as per Ludwig. Usage is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While its formality is neutral, it's essential to differentiate its meaning from similar verbs like "crumple" or "crease", choosing the verb that best fits the specific context. Ludwig examples illustrate that it's used to describe physical changes as well as expressions of emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become wrinkled

A more descriptive way of saying something has developed wrinkles.

get wrinkled

Similar to "become wrinkled", but implies a process of wrinkling over time.

crease up

Focuses on creating a crease or fold, similar to wrinkling but often implying a sharper line.

develop wrinkles

Specifically refers to the formation of wrinkles, often in the context of aging.

form wrinkles

Emphasizes the action of wrinkles appearing or being created.

crumple up

Implies a more chaotic and less organized form of wrinkling, often used for paper or fabric.

scrunch up

Describes a gathering or squeezing together, often used for facial features expressing emotion.

furrow

Refers specifically to wrinkles on the face, often indicating worry or age.

pucker up

Specifically relates to the lips forming wrinkles, often before a kiss or to express displeasure.

crease

Implies a line or ridge made by folding or wrinkling.

FAQs

How can I use "wrinkle up" in a sentence?

You can use "wrinkle up" to describe the formation of wrinkles on skin, fabric, or other materials. For example: "His face began to wrinkle up as he frowned", or "The paper started to wrinkle up after getting wet."

What's the difference between "scrunch up" and "wrinkle up"?

"Scrunch up" often refers to a more deliberate action of squeezing something together, while "wrinkle up" can occur naturally or unintentionally. For example, you might "scrunch up" your nose in disgust, but a shirt will "wrinkle up" if left unattended in a suitcase.

When is it appropriate to use "crease up" instead of "wrinkle up"?

"Crease up" is more appropriate when referring to a sharp, defined line formed by folding something, like paper or fabric. "Wrinkle up" is better for describing less defined, softer lines or folds.

Can "wrinkle up" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "wrinkle up" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is not physically wrinkling but is becoming less smooth or less desirable. For example, "The deal began to wrinkle up as more problems were discovered".