as in annoyed
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!"
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Recent Examples of ruffled
Cher, the iconic singer and actress, may have ruffled a few feathers among fans of Michigan couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell by telling the couple Bell deserves better than her longtime partner.
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The music video looks almost like a period piece, with other members of the cast sporting powdered wigs, ruffled white collars and other white pieces to accent their outfits.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
While Bezos wore a black shirt and tight black jeans with his trusty aviators, Sánchez Bezos opted for a rose-print, ruffled Roberto Cavalli dress in beige and black.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Or perhaps a sweater dress is more your speed; both Éterne’s turtleneck number and Dôen’s ruffled take pair perfectly with knee-high boots and a wool coat for everyday outings.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffled
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The music video looks almost like a period piece, with other members of the cast sporting powdered wigs, ruffled white collars and other white pieces to accent their outfits.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025
While Bezos wore a black shirt and tight black jeans with his trusty aviators, Sánchez Bezos opted for a rose-print, ruffled Roberto Cavalli dress in beige and black.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Or perhaps a sweater dress is more your speed; both Éterne’s turtleneck number and Dôen’s ruffled take pair perfectly with knee-high boots and a wool coat for everyday outings.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffled
Verb
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When Kelly covered first base in an attempt to complete a double play, he got annoyed when Brantley’s foot clipped his leg.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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Carolyn was annoyed by Gwyneth Paltrow and was best friends with future Real Housewife Carole Radziwill, who was married to John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For a long time your political cartoons published in the editorial pages have irritated me.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
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The song, which reclaims a derogatory term for Venezuelan female migrants, was interpreted as defiant and irritated the Venezuelan president, then facing widespread reports of electoral fraud.—
Leonor C. Suárez,
Rolling Stone,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But something bothered her about the name.—
Ta-Nehisi Coates,
Vanity Fair,
26 Jan. 2026
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Schultz said he is not bothered by the criticism marking his seven-year tenure at the $301,000-a-year post.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Feeling good Weathers has been bugged by several injuries over the last few years.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
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The comings and goings of the many planes at the little field bugged the Marine Corps brass and rattled the hens at the chicken ranch that was once right about where Cold War-era bowlers would one day rattle the pins at Frontier Lanes.—
Eric DuVall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mattarella condemned the complicity of ordinary Italians in the fascist-era racial laws, which persecuted Italy’s Jewish community, and deportation of its Jews.—
Vanessa Gera,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The Kurds have been marginalized, persecuted and slaughtered by the likes of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and before those states existed, the Ottoman Empire.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffled. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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