1
2
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ruffle
Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025
Shakira was seen in a bubblegum pink gown, with ruffles along the backside.
—Janelle Ash , Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Lewis was beaming the entire night, raising her Modelo and toasting the crowd in her navy polka dot dress, sparkling tiara, white ruffle socks, and black patent Mary Jane platforms.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025
Shakira was seen in a bubblegum pink gown, with ruffles along the backside.
—Janelle Ash , Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
Here’s why May 23, 2025 Outside the golf resort, a stiff wind kicked up, ruffling the palm trees and sending small waves across a water hazard on the 18th green — an obvious metaphor for these blustery and unsettled times.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
Two centuries later, frills and flounces are back in style on the heels of the cottagecore bedding scene, allowing your bedscape to embrace its softer side.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
-
It's fitted through the chest and waist and has a full skirt detailed with a tiered flounce and delicate ruffles.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
-
The law has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration’s campaign to ramp up deportations, which the president has cast as an effort to rid the country of criminals despite also targeting immigrants with no prior convictions.—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The comedy as a second-class sibling to the drama is a notion that has annoyed the people who make television comedies for years.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
7 June 2025
-
In some cases, that will be obvious: You’ll get annoyed by weird or loud noises and odors, notice your energy bill has skyrocketed, or spot signs of a leak.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
Unfortunately, physical barriers like metal or plastic edging will not contain ground ivy, thanks to the underground roots.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
22 May 2025
-
The cabin also has brown edging that pairs perfectly with the rose gold (an alloy from pure gold and copper) hardware found throughout the interior.—
Daniel Cote,
Robb Report,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Its stern warnings are scary and uncomfortable--the headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, body aches, clenched teeth or knots in your chest.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump initially tapped to co-lead DOGE, pushed for an expansion of the program as way to attract global talent, irritating immigration hawks in the conservative movement.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
-
Plus, it’s made without parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which may irritate some skin types.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
The longtime border journalist Todd Miller told me that border-security agencies such as C.B.P. and ICE have long relied on private contractors, including security guards who do menial work at ports of entry so that Border Patrol can conduct more rigorous missions.—
Jessica Pishko,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
-
The legislation would fulfill Trump’s key campaign promises, including an extension of his 2017 tax cuts, no taxes on tips and overtime and additional border security, paid for, in part, by cuts to Medicaid.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The velocity of misinformation isn’t just a nuisance.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Eating flaxseed might even ease menopausal symptoms, which—among its many other nuisances—can often include GI issues.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share