RUFFLE Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

ruffle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ruffle

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

Relevance

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

ruffle

2 of 2

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

Noun

My favorite part of this dress is the sweet ruffle hem that gives it a feminine touch. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026 Finally, Sweeney—blindingly blond—arrived, wearing SYRN’s Date Night Satin Corset in Dew Me blue and Cowgirl Crush lace-ruffle miniskirt. — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

This is where Ford's crackdown has ruffled at least two local unions. — Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026 More than 35 years later, Cole Trickle’s new leading lady has ruffled some feathers for a previous Days of Thunder co-star. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruffle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle

Noun

The asymmetrical dress featured a flowing flounce of silver chainmail.

— Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026
With ruffle sleeves, a smocked empire waist, and a flounce skirt, this dress has the same luxe look as Kate’s.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of flounce

Noun

The Parquet Courts frontman has launched the group Iconic Fugues with a two-pronged track that’s surely relatable to anyone who has a rose and a thorn of the past year.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
The shrubs, ranging from deer brush to white thorn shrub, are incredibly good at resprouting, Young said.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Verb

And now Snider found himself here, under a bright, blue sky, annoyed as a fireman examined the staples on the side of his head.

— Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
What annoys me is that this whole thing is called Roaring 20th, so why was there not a flapper and Great Gatsby theme?

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoy

Noun

The small, irregular pearls appeared around the armholes of a long and lean mesh dress, and as the delicate edging on a beautiful citron yellow flapper dress with sheer panels.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
After spending eight hours Sunday cutting, edging, shredding, digging and ripping at things in the yard and in the garage, my advice to younger readers is to invest in high-quality tools.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of edging

Noun

Various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat conditions including headaches, colic, dropsy, rheumatism, nervous agitation, constipation, dyspepsia, and infections of the eye and throat.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
The Bruins’ biggest headache could be 6-foot-5 tight end Jamari Johnson, who caught seven passes for 159 yards against USC, particularly with all three of UCLA’s starting cornerbacks shorter than 6 feet.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Verb

Tactics such as ragebait have only added to the fatigue, irritating enthusiasts already frustrated by the relentless churn of slop.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Patients may be advised to use gentle, fragrance-free products, keep the area moisturized, and avoid anything that further irritates the skin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritate

Noun

But a big cooler is one guest that can really crash and burn the party – a hard, bulky nuisance that's uncomfortable on or near the bed and unsecure outside the vehicle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Attorneys for the Bloomfield group have argued that the building behind the Pyles does not create a nuisance.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Browse Nearby Words

ruffians

ruffle

ruffled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ruffle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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