"Catpaw," referring to the light breeze that ruffles the surface of water, has a handful of synonyms that can be used interchangeably. One such word is "zephyr," which describes a gentle breeze or wind. Another synonym for "catpaw" is "breezelet," which emphasizes the lightness of the wind. "Air current" may also be used to describe the movement of air over water. The phrase "ripples on the water" can also convey a similar image of movement that's less specific to wind patterns. Ultimately, the choice of synonym may depend on the context in which it's being used, and writers may choose one word over the other based on perceived nuance or style.