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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
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
For this meeting, Emily wears a shirt that is 70 percent exploding ruffles.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
Implementing a table seating arrangement for a holiday gathering can either set the stage for an organized and harmonious event or, worst-case scenario, ruffle some feathers.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Check the head and base and foot of the bed, peeling back the top sheet to look for evidence on mattress covers, box springs, dust ruffles, and the headboard—and most importantly, the mattress seams and piping because bed bugs like to hide in cracks and crevices.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
For this meeting, Emily wears a shirt that is 70 percent exploding ruffles.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
The critique appears to have drawn support from most viewers, even if ruffling the feathers of others.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
Implementing a table seating arrangement for a holiday gathering can either set the stage for an organized and harmonious event or, worst-case scenario, ruffle some feathers.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 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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This chronological edging might be pleasurable for Shane and Ilya, but when built into the framing of an episode of television, the fade-ins and -outs overwhelm and distract the narrative.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
-
The result is precise, confident edging with less effort, making this a top choice for skiers who want comfort and control.—
Jenny Wiegand,
Outside,
19 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The illness tends to come on abruptly, with symptoms including fever, sore throat, headaches and fatigue.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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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
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Outside the capital, guerrilla groups and organized crime syndicates are exploiting the power vacuum along Venezuela’s borders and in its resource-rich interior.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Born in France but a staple of Moroccan cinema, Laxe has a talent for scaling international borders and belief systems to peer into worlds that feel dangerously tactile and spiritually slippery.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
8 Jan. 2026
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 10 Jan. 2026.
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