Synonyms of ruffle

ruffle 1 of 2

noun

1

as in flounce

a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge and used as trimming

likes lace curtains without ruffles and chintz curtains with ruffles

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flounce
• edging
• border
• skirting
• trim
• fringe
• frill
• furbelow
• ruff
• pleat
• plait
• bunting

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

• thorn
• headache
• nuisance
• rub
• frustration
• worry
• irritant
• hair shirt
• annoyance
• irk
• inconvenience
• problem
• exasperation
• insult
• pest
• vexation
• bother
• peeve
• aggro
• trial
• aggravation
• bugbear
• menace
• upset
• burden
• discomfort
• affront
• hassle
• pinprick
• botheration
• cross
• anxiety
• curse
• fleabite
• albatross
• trouble
• predicament
• plague
• offender
• millstone
• disturber
• offense
• sore
• plight
• annoyer
• pet peeve
• harasser
• pandora's box
• mischief
• tribulation
• hang-up
• affliction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasure
• joy
• delight

ruffle

2 of 2

verb

ˈrə-fəl 

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

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• bug
• persecute
• get
• aggravate
• rile
• frost
• eat
• infuriate
• exasperate
• anger
• grate
• tease
• nettle
• spite
• get to
• chafe
• irk
• vex
• pique
• burn (up)
• wear on
• worry
• itch
• put out
• gripe
• rasp
• gall
• hack (off)
• provoke
• insult
• stick in one's craw
• nark
• set one's teeth on edge
• peeve
• rub the wrong way
• offend
• get one's goat
• plague
• upset
• enrage
• get on one's nerves
• harass
• rouse
• antagonize
• nag
• devil
• inflame
• badger
• rankle
• agitate
• distress
• heckle
• unsettle
• perturb
• outrage
• bullyrag
• hassle
• bait
• pester
• undo
• harry
• roil
• fret
• discomfort
• incense
• disquiet
• discompose
• exercise
• affront
• unhinge
• hagride
• madden
• freak (out)
• miff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• placate
• appease
• oblige
• pacify
• conciliate
• please
• satisfy
• gratify
• mollify
• delight
• assure
• propitiate
• content
• cheer
• comfort
• soothe
• reassure
• quiet
• console
• gladden
• solace

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ruffle

Noun

For day two of the Sunny Hill Music Festival in Kosovo, the singer opted for a delicate satin playsuit with large lace ruffles lining the drop shoulders and angular short shorts. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

It’s relaxed yet sophisticated thanks to ruffle hems, buttons, and long puff sleeves that are wearable in both summer and fall. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

Changing that would undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, but some offerings at the food court do come and go. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

Adding more drama to the lingerie look, Waterhouse wore a light pink tulle boudoir-style robe with ruffling. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 July 2026