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
Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
With flashes of pink brocade, military jackets, and pirate-leaning aesthetics adorned with feathers, tulle, and ruffles on the Ann Demeulemeester spring 2026 runway, there’s more than enough for Ortega and Melendez to keep killing it.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2025
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Other tattooers aren’t quite so ruffled by the practice.
—John Semley, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
My current favorites are ruffle socks for a more feminine outfit or scrunch socks for a more cozy look.
—Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
With flashes of pink brocade, military jackets, and pirate-leaning aesthetics adorned with feathers, tulle, and ruffles on the Ann Demeulemeester spring 2026 runway, there’s more than enough for Ortega and Melendez to keep killing it.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
This brief modification was enough to ruffle the conscience of a film critic.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Other tattooers aren’t quite so ruffled by the practice.
—John Semley, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 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
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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
Noun
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Often a thorn in the side of leadership, Massie is unlikely to strike any deal with leadership to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Oct. 2025
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Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ball doesn’t seem annoyed by the memes yet, but the NBA season hasn’t officially started, so there’s still time.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
-
He was annoyed when people advocated that.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The heels feature black napa leather edging and a front strap with a button closure, which is a signature of the Camparinew heels.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
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Depending on the thickness of the steel chosen, the edging can last from 20 to 25 years.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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But just one week later, on June 1, 2019, a splitting headache and blurred vision sent her racing back to the hospital.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Combining three different actives (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) in one product without totally irritating the skin seems like an impossible task, yet Some by Mi has accomplished it with this ease.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Oct. 2025
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Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel and irritating the esophagus.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Relations between the two economies had been cool since deadly border clashes in 2020.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
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In that sense, by hosting Muttaqi, Delhi may have deepened the growing rupture between Afghanistan and Pakistan that was on display during the recent border clashes.—
Happymon Jacob,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Lorincz, who is white, hated loud noise, and called police and first responders multiple times over the years claiming the children were trespassing, bothersome, threatening, and a nuisance.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
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Establishing a track record of violations could potentially help the city in future civil suits brought against the Eco Motel, or any other property considered a nuisance.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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