What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
winkle
Example
He used a knife to winkle the meat out of the crab's shell. [winkle: verb]
Example
I had to winkle the screw out of the tight space using pliers. [winkle: verb]
Example
The detective managed to winkle the truth out of the suspect. [winkle: verb]
wrinkle
Example
She noticed a wrinkle on her forehead when she looked in the mirror. [wrinkle: noun]
Example
We hit a wrinkle in our plans when the venue canceled at the last minute. [wrinkle: noun]
Example
He accidentally wrinkled his shirt while packing it in his suitcase. [wrinkle: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wrinkle is more commonly used than winkle in everyday language, and it covers a wide range of contexts, from describing physical characteristics to unexpected problems. Winkle, on the other hand, is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between winkle and wrinkle?
Both winkle and wrinkle are relatively informal words, but wrinkle is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while winkle is more specific and less commonly used in formal settings.
