wrinkle crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "wrinkle crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "wrinkle crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PLICA: A fold or ridge, especially of skin or mucous membrane. This is a more scientific or anatomical term, sometimes used in crosswords to add a bit of challenge.
HITCH: A sudden jerk or pull; also, a temporary difficulty or problem, a 'wrinkle' in a plan. (Figurative meaning).
6 Letters
CREASE: A line or ridge produced on paper or cloth by folding, pressing, or crushing. This is a very common answer for 'wrinkle' in crosswords, referring to the literal folding of a material.
FURROW: A rut, groove, or narrow depression, especially one made by a plow or a deep line/wrinkle on a person's face (e.g., a 'furrowed brow'). Often used for facial wrinkles or lines.
RUFFLE: To make (something) untidy or disarrange; also, to upset or annoy someone. Can be used in the context of wrinkling fabric. (e.g., "ruffle a feather" or "ruffle a dress").
7 Letters
CRUMPLE: To crush something so that it becomes full of creases and folds. While a verb, 'crumple' implies the action that creates wrinkles, and can sometimes be the desired answer depending on how the clue is phrased (e.g., 'To wrinkle up').
9 Letters
CROWSLINE: Wrinkles that form at the outer corner of the eye, often associated with aging or smiling. A very specific type of wrinkle often clued directly or indirectly.
More About "wrinkle crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "wrinkle" in a crossword puzzle is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that setters love to exploit. At its most literal, a wrinkle refers to a line, fold, or crease on a surface, whether it's fabric, paper, or the human skin. This is why answers like CREASE, FURROW, and CROWSLINE are so common, directly describing different types of physical indentations.
However, "wrinkle" also has a rich figurative meaning. It can refer to a small problem, an unexpected difficulty, or a minor complication in a plan or situation. In this sense, answers such as HITCH, SNAG, or KINK might be appropriate. The beauty of these clues lies in forcing the solver to consider both the literal and metaphorical interpretations of the word, requiring a deeper understanding of context and wordplay.
To successfully tackle a "wrinkle" clue, always consider the surrounding words in the clue and any letters you already have filled in. Does the clue suggest a physical characteristic (e.g., "facial line") or a problem (e.g., "minor difficulty")? Paying attention to these nuances will significantly narrow down the possibilities and lead you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "wrinkle," have both literal and figurative meanings. Always explore both avenues when a clue seems ambiguous.
- Check Letter Count First: If you have an idea for an answer, immediately verify if its letter count matches any empty slots. This can quickly confirm or eliminate possibilities.
- Look at Cross-Referencing Clues: Sometimes a difficult clue becomes easier when you've filled in intersecting words. The letters from other answers can provide crucial hints for trickier definitions.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords often rely on synonyms. For "wrinkle," consider words that mean the opposite (e.g., smooth, straighten) to help brainstorm related concepts or if the clue contains a negation.
- Pay Attention to Part of Speech: Is the clue a noun, verb, or adjective? This will guide you to the correct type of answer. "Wrinkle" can be a noun (a crease) or a verb (to crease), influencing the possible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'wrinkle' a common crossword clue?
'Wrinkle' is common because it has multiple meanings—literal (like a crease in fabric or a line on the skin) and figurative (like a small problem or difficulty). This versatility allows setters to create clues of varying difficulty, often leading to answers like CREASE, FURROW, HITCH, or SNAG.
What's the difference between a 'crease' and a 'furrow' in a crossword context?
While both refer to lines or folds, 'crease' often implies a fold in fabric, paper, or something pressed. 'Furrow' more specifically refers to a groove or rut, often in the ground, or a deep line on a person's face, particularly from frowning or age. Crossword setters will often hint at this distinction through the rest of the clue.
Are there figurative meanings for 'wrinkle' in crosswords?
Absolutely! Beyond the physical lines, 'wrinkle' can also refer to a slight problem, difficulty, or complication. In this sense, common answers could include HITCH, SNAG, or KINK, referring to a minor unexpected issue. Always consider if the clue is looking for a literal or metaphorical interpretation.