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
Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
This top subtly calls back to a 19th-century Spanish flamenco dress, a style traditionally defined by dramatic bell sleeves, voluminous ruffles, and sweeping off-the-shoulder silhouettes.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 15 May 2026
And that won’t ruffle any feathers in Washington.
—Yan Bennett, The Conversation, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The Grammy Award-winning singer posed for photos on the red carpet in a black bodysuit with a plunging neckline and sheer mesh on the side and ruffles on the neck and down the torso.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
This top subtly calls back to a 19th-century Spanish flamenco dress, a style traditionally defined by dramatic bell sleeves, voluminous ruffles, and sweeping off-the-shoulder silhouettes.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
The factors that ruffled prospective investors in 2024 seem, for now, far in the rearview mirror.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 15 May 2026
And that won’t ruffle any feathers in Washington.
—Yan Bennett, The Conversation, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
Prone to wearing clothes that suggest an overgrown pre-teen herself, all frills, flounces and bright colors, Martha doesn’t look like great maternal material to Claire, although this judgmental attitude may be evidence of her own maternal deficiencies.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
-
The size of the flounce can also dictate the messaging.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
3 June 2026
-
The eight bedrooms—four of which can be joined to make two family suites—are set far apart on a gravel pathway through the winter thorn forest (the furthest a brisk five-minute walk from the living area).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Ever been annoyed after Windows setup that your user folder has a weird name?—
Jon Martindale,
PC Magazine,
28 May 2026
-
The suspension is a nice blend between comfort and sport—the sweet spot where breaks in the asphalt don’t annoy, yet body roll never feels excessive.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Build the Perimeter Once the foundation’s laid, build out the perimeter using timber or steel edging.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
3 June 2026
-
Shorter varieties are perfect for the front of borders and edging paths and patios.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
People in the trial reported similar side effects to those from mRNA Covid vaccines — flu-like symptoms including chills and headaches — that only lasted a couple of days.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
-
That has the potential to cause real headaches for Carolina, especially with how the former two have played.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Additionally, environmental factors such as tobacco smoke, pollution, pollen, dust, pet dander, laundry soaps, fragrances and more can irritate children’s skin or breathing passages.—
Dr. Daniel DiGiacomo,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
-
Why is my behavior or anybody else's behavior irritating you?—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The forces operated out of several locations in southern Azerbaijan, two of the sources said, adjacent to Iran’s northern border and, at its closest point, only about 60 miles from the Iranian city of Tabriz, which Israel struck during the war.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
Black-and-white Tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) Iguazu Falls, the waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the Brazil-Argentina border.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
