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

Zendaya layered the intricate lace piece, which was trimmed with giant ruffles, over a simple white tank and baggy low-rise jeans. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Oct. 2026

Our favorite dress picks have a variety of styles and versatile features, like darling ruffles, cinching waistlines, and trending silhouettes. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

Princess Margaret was known to ruffle a few feathers during her lifetime. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

This is where Ford's crackdown has ruffled at least two local unions. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026