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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
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Aknvas also chose a light and bright wash for mini dresses, with exaggerated ruffles and lacing details.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
This brief modification was enough to ruffle the conscience of a film critic.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The cream gown is embellished with ruffles galore—tracing the contours of the bodice and skirt, not to mention its diaphanous frilly sleeves.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
Aknvas also chose a light and bright wash for mini dresses, with exaggerated ruffles and lacing details.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Manning’s answer ruffled more than a few feathers.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
This brief modification was enough to ruffle the conscience of a film critic.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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After pouring out all of Tallulah’s earthly possessions — loose cash, thongs, several vapes, Bubble Tape — Paulena takes the bag and flounces off, leaving Tallulah vibrating with rage and Maia quietly panicking.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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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
Noun
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Yes, in an industry cartwheeling almost daily through new technologies, new owners, new formats and new audience expectations, the nearly-100-year-old measurement company was the sharpest thorn in Ziffren’s paw.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
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Thanks, Edison Long a thorn in Edison’s side, Gary Headrick of San Clemente Green has been urging Edison to release all the inspection photos for months.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
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Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Eckley chose the sleek Corten steel edging, and Fitzpatrick came up with the idea of tempering its modernity by continuing grass up the steps.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
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For the patents on some of Novo Nordisk’s hero products in certain regions to be running out is an inevitable headache—companies can only hold them for so long before competitors are able to launch their own products.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other ailments.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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How Air Quality and Allergens Affect Vision Pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide irritate the eyes and contribute to inflammation.—
William Jones,
Ascend Agency,
11 Nov. 2025
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That time hasn’t arrived yet, though, so the Packers know what awaits them Monday night from a team that might have a little more incentive to irritate everyone inside Lambeau Field.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The fight against climate change transcends national borders.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Earlier Tuesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the country detected North Korea test-firing around 10 rounds of artillery toward its western waters on Monday, shortly before Hegseth arrived at an inter-Korean border village with Ahn to begin his two-day visit to South Korea.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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An Orange County judge granted the city of Santa Ana’s request for a preliminary injunction against several businesses on East First Street accused of being public nuisances.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
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According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a public health concern, capable of carrying diseases like West Nile virus.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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