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as in thorn
something that is a source of irritation
a spouse's snoring is one ruffle that many couples must eventually come to terms with
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
the stream of minor complaints finally ruffled him into snapping, "If you don't like the way I'm doing it, do it yourself!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Style them with your favorite basics like T-shirts and tank tops, opt for a button-down blouse with flats and jewelry, or add a ruffle top with sandals for a trendy look.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
Those deals would cost a pretty penny to get out of, which is also going to ruffle some feathers.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The dress featured a form-fitting bodice with a high-low bottom that flared out in ruffles.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Style them with your favorite basics like T-shirts and tank tops, opt for a button-down blouse with flats and jewelry, or add a ruffle top with sandals for a trendy look.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Verb
Multiple reports have emerged claiming Hardy's alleged tardiness on set has ruffled feathers with the cast and crew, with one report asserting he was fired from the show.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
Those deals would cost a pretty penny to get out of, which is also going to ruffle some feathers.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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Prone to wearing clothes that suggest an overgrown pre-teen herself, all frills, flounces and bright colors, Martha doesn’t look like great maternal material to Claire, although this judgmental attitude may be evidence of her own maternal deficiencies.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
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The size of the flounce can also dictate the messaging.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Until Hoxha's break with Nikita Khrushchev's USSR, after the abjuration of Stalinism, Sazan was in Soviet hands, a thorn in the side of the West, a base for 12 Whiskey-class submarines and of chemical-biological weapons plants.—
Marzio G. Mian,
Vanity Fair,
16 June 2026
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However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
Verb
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One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
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And get annoyed when people spell it wrong anyway?—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Thyme adds beauty to gardens as ground cover, edging, or a lawn alternative.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
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Alternate Physical Barrier Edge Cast stone edgers, known as bullet edgers, as well as natural stone, vinyl, rubber, or steel edging materials, are all useful edging methods.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Noun
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This first patient had fever, headaches, muscle pain, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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Earlier this year, Patagonia sued a drag queen and environmental activist performing under the name Pattie Gonia in a trademark dispute, and the feud is quickly becoming a PR headache for the eco-friendly apparel brand.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
Verb
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But one snafu irritated a sizable portion of the more than 3,000 students gathered at Arie Crown Theater to hear the astronauts discuss their mission.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
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Health officials say the gas can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be especially troublesome for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Lower Manhattan became frozen beyond expectation, with subways stopping south of Canal Street, a border that had earlier applied only to cars.—
Amina Kilpatrick,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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The move, aimed at securing Finland’s collective defense, roughly doubled NATO’s border with Russia.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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In May, Social Circle filed a lawsuit against DHS, arguing the agency violated federal environmental review requirements and Georgia public nuisance law while pursuing the project.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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