What does unwrinkle mean?
Unwrinkle is a verb meaning to remove the creases or folds from something, most often clothing, fabric, or skin. It can be used transitively, as in “unwrinkle the tablecloth,” or intransitively, as when a material relaxes and becomes smooth after being handled or hung up. The word also has a figurative use for smoothing a person’s expression or easing a tense situation: someone’s brow may unwrinkle, or a difficult situation may unwrinkle once the disagreement is resolved. Its meaning is straightforward and strongly visual, emphasizing the reversal of a visible crease. Although “unwrinkle” is less common than “smooth” or “iron” for treating fabric, it is especially effective when the focus is on the disappearance of small folds or a worried expression. It is a useful word for describing both practical actions and the figurative easing of discomfort or tension.
verbTo remove wrinkles from something, especially fabric or skin. It can also mean to become less wrinkled or smooth, often as a result of being stretched or handled.
- To remove wrinkles from something.
- To become less wrinkled or smooth, typically through movement or handling.
"She carefully unwrinkled the linen tablecloth before laying it on the table."
"He ran his fingers over the tablecloth to unwrinkle it."
"Her brow unwrinkled when she heard that the problem had been solved."
"The fabric will unwrinkle if you hang it up overnight."
A verb with a built-in reversal: unwrinkle describes the moment a crease gives way to smoothness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwrinkle come from?
Unwrinkle is an English compound formed from the prefix un-, meaning “reverse” or “remove,” and the noun wrinkle, meaning a small fold or crease. The compound follows the established English pattern of forming a verb with un- to undo the action or state named by the base word. Its modern meaning remains transparent: to undo the effect of wrinkling. The related forms wrinkly, wrinkled, and wrinkling share the same English root and preserve the word’s focus on folds and creases.
Related word forms
How unwrinkle is actually used
The literal use is common for clothing, fabric, and skin. Figurative uses, especially for a furrowed brow or a tense situation, are natural but less formal.
Easily confused with unwrinkle
A wrinkle is a crease or fold, while unwrinkle is the action of removing such creases or folds.