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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
-
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
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Two centuries later, frills and flounces are back in style on the heels of the cottagecore bedding scene, allowing your bedscape to embrace its softer side.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
To eat the nopales, remove the spines (spikes, thorns, or barbs) and use them raw in salads or cooked in soups or tacos.—
Barbie Cervoni,
Verywell Health,
22 Oct. 2025
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What fantastic fantasies will lure risk-seeking treasure hunters to breach the massive walls of iron thorns surrounding mysterious radioactive caverns buried deep in the deserts?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The situation could be taken as concerning for Alonso, given the precedents of previous Madrid coaches who have tried to impose a certain style of play, or who otherwise annoy superstar players used to having things more their own way.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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One report, citing a source close to Sheridan, even claimed the writer was annoyed that Paramount sent too many of its top suits to a meeting designed to keep Sheridan onboard, arguing that Ellison had messed up by bringing more than two execs along with him.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 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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Molnar said the team wanted to design a system that avoided irritating brain tissue.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
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But Chelsea won’t have it, shutting the whole thing down in a way that clearly irritates her.—
Anne Victoria Clark,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 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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In Shea Carney's house, those beverage bottles and cans eligible for a 10-cent deposit return have become more of a nuisance than a useful income boost.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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South Milwaukee requires exotic or wild animal owners to get a permit from the City Health Department, which can be denied if the animal poses a danger or nuisance.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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