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to ripple

to ripple

40 2.7
To move in small waves on water when wind blows
  • verb
  • /ˈrɪpəl/
: ondular
  • As the stone hit the water, it caused the surface to ripple gently outward.
  • ripple across the water
  • ripple across the surface
  • waves ripple

And we're coming up against forces that are rippling from across the stars.

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Examples

  • She watched the pond ripple as the fish broke the surface to feed.

  • The breeze made the leaves ripple softly, creating a soothing sound.

  • A double row of white landing lights came on and rippled the length of the ship.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The snake's muscles ripple as it tries to capture and strangle the animal on its back.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Over his head, the vicious wind rippled the hide roof of the shelter.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Deep in the southwest of Scotland ripples a pool of moss-green water.

    Academic text (2003)
  • And the contessa will be the wheat fields... rippling in the evening air.

  • But just moments before, he'd seen them ripple like wheat in a windstorm.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "The flesh on his dorsal ridge rippled and his wide mouth stretched in a smile.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The sleeves were striped, too, and seemed to bulge and ripple around her biceps.

    Fiction book (1990)

Synonyms

to wave
vsto ripple
27 1.0

To move with a smooth up and down motion, like a flag or the sea

is smaller, finer undulations on water rather than large motion
to waver
vsto ripple
18 4.8

To move or shake in a slight, unsteady way

is a gentle water wave motion, not shaking or trembling
to undulate
vsto ripple
14 7.7

To move in smooth waves like tall grass in the wind

moves as shorter, finer waves limited to water surface
to ruffle
vsto ripple
8 4.2

Disturb a smooth surface so small waves appear

involves gentle water motion rather than surface damage or flutter
to vacillate
vsto ripple
1 8.4

To move slowly back and forth like a boat or kite

describes physical small water waves rather than hesitation or choice
to riffle
vsto ripple
1 7.6

To make small ripples on water by moving it slightly

moves naturally in small waves on water surface
to cockle
vsto ripple
1 9.5

To make a surface form small waves or ripples

is restricted to moving water in small surface waves
to popple
vsto ripple
  • Archaic
9.7

To make small bubbles and light splashes in water

is steadier small waves on water rather than bubbling movement

Antonyms

86 2.6

Make something flat and smooth by pressing it

18 4.2

To make quiet or calm

Compounds

ripple mark
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A small raised line in sand made by moving water or wind

ripple-grass
  • Specialized
9.9

A common wild plant with long narrow ribbed leaves that grows along roads in cool areas

How Strong

to surge
52 4.1
wave
790 1.0
to undulate
14 7.7
to ripple
40 2.7
to quiver
50 4.5

Surface Forms

ripple infinitive
rippled past
rippled past participle
rippling present participle
ripples third person singular

Etymology

Ripple as a verb comes from the same water image — think of the surface 'rippling' after a pebble drops and the little waves move out. So to ripple is to 'move in small waves' over water or another surface.