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
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adding a dust ruffle around the base of your bed can make this spot even better for keeping messy items hidden.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 Jan. 2026
Cher, the iconic singer and actress, may have ruffled a few feathers among fans of Michigan couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell by telling the couple Bell deserves better than her longtime partner.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
With a formfitting silhouette and long sleeves, the lace look was given an extra boost of femininity with the addition of a pink ruffle and bow beneath the bustline — a motif that also featured at the cuffs of the long-sleeve dress.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adding a dust ruffle around the base of your bed can make this spot even better for keeping messy items hidden.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Her jokes were tight and sharp, and pushed the envelope just enough to be funny without truly ruffling any feathers.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 Jan. 2026
Cher, the iconic singer and actress, may have ruffled a few feathers among fans of Michigan couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell by telling the couple Bell deserves better than her longtime partner.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Makeup removal can sometimes feel like a thorn in your side, especially when heavy, waterproof formulas are standing in the way.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
28 Jan. 2026
-
In the seventeenth century, the Dutch East India’s colony at Cape Town subjected indigenous people who hoped to trade with their soldiers, sailors, and farmers to different rules and planted thorn bushes to keep them out of the European settlement.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her Iamraw collection, intended to channel fragility, features subtle design details like double sleeves and raw edging in fabrics like Tencel, viscose and cotton.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The Queen Consort chose a Robinson Valentine white silk chiffon gown with scalloped edging and a matching white overcoat.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Think peachy-bright, brunchy, and a little flirty without the headache.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Sonny Fouts, 71, has had a headache, stomachache and trouble sleeping since seeing news reports that the 37-year-old ICU nurse had been fatally shot by ICE agents Saturday, the vet and retired musician told People.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
To ensure the materials were safe for biological use, the friction layers was tested on a rabbit’s eye, where the device maintained its charge without irritating.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
China had closed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic and only reopened them in earnest in early 2023.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Trump this week deployed border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota after this month’s fatal shootings of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, undermining Noem’s leadership of her department.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While often seen as a nuisance that reduces confinement, this new research suggests they can be used as a control mechanism.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The click-clack, click-clack of a mill that operated around the clock would serve as either a constant nuisance or soothing white noise, depending on one’s disposition.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
