Wrinkles are lines, folds, or creases that form in the skin. They are a natural part of aging and can also result from facial expressions, sun damage, and lifestyle factors.
In this lesson, you’ll discover a variety of words to describe wrinkles. Whether you’re writing a story, describing a character, or simply expanding your vocabulary, these adjectives will help you articulate the nuanced appearances and implications of wrinkles.
Words to Describe Wrinkles
Here are the 30 most common words to describe Wrinkles:
| Fine | Deep | Subtle |
| Creased | Etched | Faint |
| Pronounced | Furrowed | Delicate |
| Weathered | Crow’s-feet | Laugh lines |
| Age lines | Crinkled | Feathered |
| Sunken | Engraved | Worn |
| Folded | Imprinted | Sagging |
| Crumpled | Embedded | Wrinkly |
| Lined | Grooved | Perceptible |
Adjectives for Wrinkles
1. Fine
Meaning: Small and delicate
Example: Her fine wrinkles show signs of aging.
2. Deep
Meaning: Pronounced and significant
Example: The deep wrinkles on his forehead are prominent.
3. Crow’s Feet
Meaning: Wrinkles near the eyes
Example: Her crow’s feet deepen when she smiles.
4. Forehead
Meaning: Lines on the forehead
Example: His forehead wrinkles reveal years of stress.
5. Frown
Meaning: Lines caused by frowning
Example: The frown wrinkles betray his frequent concern.
6. Expression
Meaning: Formed by facial expressions
Example: Her expression wrinkles convey a life full of emotions.
7. Nasolabial
Meaning: Between nose and mouth
Example: His nasolabial wrinkles deepen when he laughs.
8. Horizontal
Meaning: Across the forehead
Example: The horizontal wrinkles on her forehead are visible.
9. Vertical
Meaning: Up-and-down lines
Example: Vertical wrinkles appear between his eyebrows.
10. Fine Lines
Meaning: Early signs of aging
Example: The fine lines around her eyes are faint.
11. Creased
Meaning: With prominent folds
Example: The creased wrinkles on her face are unmistakable.
12. Aged
Meaning: Associated with old age
Example: Aged wrinkles tell stories of many years.
13. Loose
Meaning: Sagging and less firm
Example: Her loose wrinkles show the effects of aging.
14. Smiling
Meaning: Caused by frequent smiling
Example: Her smiling wrinkles show how much she laughs.
15. Weathered
Meaning: Exposed to the elements
Example: The weathered wrinkles reveal a life spent outdoors.
16. Distinct
Meaning: Clearly defined and noticeable
Example: His distinct wrinkles appear when he frowns.
17. Permanent
Meaning: Not easily smoothed
Example: The permanent wrinkles on her face have set.
18. Laugh Lines
Meaning: Caused by laughter
Example: His laugh lines add charm to his smile.
19. Dynamic
Meaning: Formed by facial movements
Example: Her dynamic wrinkles shift with every expression.
20. Noticeable
Meaning: Easily seen
Example: The noticeable wrinkles reflect her long years.
Positive Adjectives for Wrinkles
- Characterful
- Distinguished
- Wise
- Experienced
- Storytelling
- Earned
- Natural
- Authentic
- Expressive
- Graceful
Negative Adjectives for Wrinkles
- Deep-seated
- Harsh
- Pronounced
- Aging
- Weather-beaten
- Worn-out
- Sun-damaged
- Furrowed
- Creased
- Sallow
Other Words for Wrinkles
Here are other words for Wrinkles:
- Creases
- Lines
- Furrows
- Crinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Laugh lines
- Age lines
- Folds
- Grooves
- Crumples
- Rumples
- Weather lines
- Expression lines
- Character lines
- Stress lines
- Sun lines
- Marionette lines
- Gravitation folds
- Sleep lines
- Compression lines
- Dynamic lines
- Static lines
- Glycation lines
- Neck lines
- Smoker’s lines
- Lipstick lines
- Accordion lines
- Glabela lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Tear troughs
How to Describe Wrinkles in Writing?
Describing wrinkles in writing offers a rich tapestry for conveying character, emotion, and history. Start by considering the context in which the wrinkles appear. Are they the soft, laughter-induced lines around the eyes of a joyful person, or the deep creases of a weathered face shaped by years of hardship and sun? The choice of adjectives can set the tone, whether you aim to evoke respect for a life well-lived or highlight the toll of a particular lifestyle.
Next, reflect on the depth, pattern, and location of the wrinkles to add specificity to your description. For instance, the “crinkled corners of her eyes” can vividly depict a smiling face, while “furrowed brows” might suggest worry or deep thought. Integrating the cause or emotion associated with the wrinkles can add layers to your character development, making them more relatable and human.
Finally, consider the broader implications of wrinkles in your narrative. They can symbolize wisdom, experience, and the passage of time, serving as a physical manifestation of a character’s journey. Through careful choice of words, you can transform a simple description of wrinkles into a powerful tool for storytelling, inviting readers to infer the untold stories etched in the character’s skin.
