Synonyms of ruffle

ruffle 1 of 2

noun

1

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

• flounce
• edging
• border
• skirting
• trim
• fringe
• frill
• furbelow
• ruff
• pleat
• plait
• bunting

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

• thorn
• headache
• nuisance
• rub
• frustration
• worry
• irritant
• hair shirt
• annoyance
• irk
• inconvenience
• problem
• exasperation
• insult
• pest
• vexation
• bother
• peeve
• aggro
• trial
• aggravation
• bugbear
• menace
• upset
• burden
• discomfort
• affront
• hassle
• pinprick
• botheration
• cross
• anxiety
• curse
• fleabite
• albatross
• trouble
• predicament
• plague
• offender
• millstone
• disturber
• offense
• sore
• plight
• annoyer
• pet peeve
• harasser
• pandora's box
• mischief
• tribulation
• hang-up
• affliction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasure
• joy
• delight

ruffle

2 of 2

verb

ˈrə-fəl 

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

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• bug
• persecute
• get
• aggravate
• rile
• frost
• eat
• infuriate
• exasperate
• anger
• grate
• tease
• nettle
• spite
• get to
• chafe
• irk
• vex
• pique
• burn (up)
• wear on
• worry
• itch
• put out
• gripe
• rasp
• gall
• hack (off)
• provoke
• insult
• stick in one's craw
• nark
• set one's teeth on edge
• peeve
• rub the wrong way
• offend
• get one's goat
• plague
• upset
• enrage
• get on one's nerves
• harass
• rouse
• antagonize
• nag
• devil
• inflame
• badger
• rankle
• agitate
• distress
• heckle
• unsettle
• perturb
• outrage
• bullyrag
• hassle
• bait
• pester
• undo
• harry
• roil
• fret
• discomfort
• incense
• disquiet
• discompose
• exercise
• affront
• unhinge
• hagride
• madden
• freak (out)
• miff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• placate
• appease
• oblige
• pacify
• conciliate
• please
• satisfy
• gratify
• mollify
• delight
• assure
• propitiate
• content
• cheer
• comfort
• soothe
• reassure
• quiet
• console
• gladden
• solace

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ruffle

Noun

Mario Perez cheered from the curb as dancers in bright dresses twirled down the street Saturday afternoon, ribbons and ruffles flashing in the sun. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Volume and shape played a starring role as well, from bubble hems and layered ruffles to peplums and drop-waists. — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

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

The Shards will be yet another chance to collapse the line between real life and life onscreen, not to mention an opportunity to ruffle some feathers of the rigid cultural establishment in the process. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026