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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
Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Princess Charlotte added ruffles and youthful verve to her navy and white polka dot Guess dress for Sunday’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
PC Magazine, 29 July 2025
The episode, which aired July 23, ruffled more than a few feathers with its depiction of President Donald Trump.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Pair them with Bombas ruffle socks for a feminine touch.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Princess Charlotte added ruffles and youthful verve to her navy and white polka dot Guess dress for Sunday’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain in Basel, Switzerland.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
Verb
Still, Project Zero is aware the change might ruffle some feathers (including Google, which maintains the Android OS), since the same policy also puts a spotlight on unfixed bugs.
—PC Magazine, 29 July 2025
The episode, which aired July 23, ruffled more than a few feathers with its depiction of President Donald Trump.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 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
-
Nearly ten months later, that tycoon Jimmy Lai – a pro-democracy firebrand and persistent thorn in Beijing’s side – remains behind bars.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Turnover remains a thorn in the retail industry’s side.—
Michael Spataro,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Bankrate also recently released a survey showing that 38% are annoyed by pre-entered tip screens at coffee shops, food trucks, etc.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
-
At the array's center is a 118-dB speaker unit and a 9cc sound cavity to annoy fellow travelers with your excellent taste in music or be a useful audio beacon in emergencies.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Better Homes & Gardens 9' Scallop Patio Umbrella offers an affordable option for those who are fond of the soothing blue color and charming scallop edging.—
Sandi Schwartz,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
-
Thin plastic edging may break down quickly, so choose something that will hold up over time.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
While the flu shot can cause redness and soreness at the injection site, as well as fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue, FluMist can cause flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, and muscle aches.—
Alice Park,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
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Residents report constant running noses, headaches and sore throats.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As Venus irritates Pluto, exploring an office entanglement might not be a good idea!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
-
In fact, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid), and retinol shouldn’t be used together all at once, since this combination can irritate and inflame the skin (including your existing hyperpigmentation).—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But that was, in part, a product of a post-pandemic flood of migrants through the southern border, and the struggles of many cities to manage so many newcomers at once.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
5 Aug. 2025
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Starbase controversy as officials approve road closures SpaceX conducts Starship test flights from the company's Starbase headquarters in South Texas, located about 23 miles from Brownsville near the U.S.-Mexico border.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Manganese is more of a nuisance, but arsenic can cause cancer in humans, Chambers said.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Here’s how to discourage squirrels from becoming a nuisance in your home and garden.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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