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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Other chic design features include ruffle sleeves; a tired, flowy skirt; and a pleated, V-neckline.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025
For a bit more volume up top, this ruffled one-piece uses texture and movement—like fluttery straps and a plunging neckline—to add shape and dimension to smaller busts.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Blue polka dot outfit: The doll wears a stylish polka dot top and matching skirt with ruffles.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 10 July 2025
Other chic design features include ruffle sleeves; a tired, flowy skirt; and a pleated, V-neckline.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
Verb
Maersk’s role in transporting Israeli cargo has ruffled some feathers among pro-Palestine activists protesting the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025
For a bit more volume up top, this ruffled one-piece uses texture and movement—like fluttery straps and a plunging neckline—to add shape and dimension to smaller busts.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
The flounce hem is feminine and fun, adding just enough interest to take this from plain to chic.—
Ivy Odom,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
-
The 9-year-old royal stepped out in a sleeveless ivory dress featuring a pleated bodice, flounce hem and black ruffle piping that traced the neckline and sleeves — a prim but playful silhouette that nodded to her growing style consistency.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2019
Noun
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Presidents of both parties complained about judges blocking policies nationwide Nationwide injunctions have been a thorn in the side of presidential administrations of both parties.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
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Those critics may or may not prove to be a thorn in O’Brien’s side.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 July 2025
Verb
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That acquisition annoyed shareholders and customers alike, with investors taking issue with the fact that it was structured to avoid a vote.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
-
Meanwhile, be patient with daily contacts, especially siblings and relatives who might annoy you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Thin plastic edging may break down quickly, so choose something that will hold up over time.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
-
Resist the urge to edge around trees; healthy trees can be compromised when surface roots are severed during the edging process.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods Flavorings and additives Natural fruit compounds, artificial colorants, and tannins in wine can cause headaches, GI symptoms, or hives in sensitive people.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
22 July 2025
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Magnesium is an essential nutrient that your body needs to stay healthy, and doesn't usually cause headaches.—
Ashley Wong,
Health,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
It was heard, and irritating, in all places at all times.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
25 July 2025
-
For Wiles and other top aides, winning in the midterms is crucial — more crucial than publicly flaming a lawmaker who has a history of irritating Trump.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
When Biden was president, the U.S.-Mexico border was overrun by hundreds of thousands of migrants were crossed illegally.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
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After Sabraw ruled that such separations of families arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border were unconstitutional, the focus of the litigation turned to reunification.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Last month, Los Angeles city officials declared these properties a public nuisance because of their failure to take action to clean up debris.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
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The cicadas swarming in and around Cincinnati can be a nuisance.—
Chad Murphy,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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