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
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
This floral print table runner with green ruffles along the ends measures 14 inches by 72 inches and serves as a cheerful centerpiece for your dining space.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Hamilton had a problem with authority, Perez said, and ruffled feathers with the town’s police chief and school board.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The straight fit of the skirt pairs well with the peplum ruffles of the tank top.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026
This floral print table runner with green ruffles along the ends measures 14 inches by 72 inches and serves as a cheerful centerpiece for your dining space.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Jelly Roll found out in December on The Joe Rogan Experience that he would be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and said nothing before the ceremony in March that would ruffle conservative Nashville feathers on the way.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
Hamilton had a problem with authority, Perez said, and ruffled feathers with the town’s police chief and school board.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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The size of the flounce can also dictate the messaging.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2026
-
When Hyacinth flounces off to check the hall, Eloise hot on her trail, Sophie begs for a moment of Violet’s time.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The veteran forward has long been a thorn in their side, and has a long history of trying to injure Warriors, and succeeding at it.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Teams routinely get annoyed with media that spends time on this sort of thing, but there is no better sales tactic than drama.—
Mac Engel
April 16,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Apr. 2026
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But now Lamar is doing press annoyed with me.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gravel, stone edging or mulch borders create crisp edges that separate planting areas from walkways, lending a tidy, professional finish.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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Plus, the diamond quilt pattern and piped edging give it a classic, elevated look.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But after developing a headache that lasted for several months, a friend convinced her to visit the emergency room.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This can create headaches for physicians and other providers.—
Noam N. Levey,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That gas can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
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But all the soundbites — the quick, random noises that seem to irritate fans the most — don’t always get noticed by players.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In the final scene of the book, Eva and Pista make their way over the Swiss border to freedom, as Biedermann’s grandparents did.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
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Both Perez and Ramirez said reducing border traffic congestion could also help improve the San Ysidro area.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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City code does say that livestock cannot become a nuisance.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Apr. 2026
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The spider’s diet includes ants (Hymenoptera), flies and mosquitoes (Diptera) and beetles (Coleoptera) — a lineup that reads like a checklist of common household nuisances.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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