ruffle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rufflenext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ruffle

2 of 2

verb

ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
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!"

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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
Noun
Worn by Osaka during her first-round singles match on day two of the tournament, the look featured a white windbreaker with a large green bow, a green tutu with white tulle ruffles and a matching green visor. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 This baby-pink maxi has an adjustable neck strap and cascading ruffles along the bottom. — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
Similar to Musk’s past real estate projects in Texas, including towering metal gates around his West Lake Hills compound, the mogul’s latest venture has ruffled the feathers of some locals. — India Roby, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026 The top features ruffled cap sleeves and a flowy silhouette that can be easily paired with shorts in the summer and jeans as the weather cools down. — Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
  1. flounce
  2. thorn
  3. annoy
  4. edging
  5. headache
  6. irritate
  7. border
  8. nuisance
Noun
  • The asymmetrical dress featured a flowing flounce of silver chainmail.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • With ruffle sleeves, a smocked empire waist, and a flounce skirt, this dress has the same luxe look as Kate’s.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Definition of flounce
Noun
  • Roses are considered non-toxic, though thorns can cause injuries and floral preservatives may still pose a risk.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Agoura’s versatile George Hastings will try to be a thorn for Westlake on offense and defense.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • What annoyed me the most, though, was the way the meditation teachers talked, which tended toward New Age–isms in passive voice.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Not even Jeff being annoyed at Kasandra’s drunkenness can ruin the mood.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • After spending eight hours Sunday cutting, edging, shredding, digging and ripping at things in the yard and in the garage, my advice to younger readers is to invest in high-quality tools.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The great diversity of forms available lend themselves to foundation plantings, edging and low hedges, as well as architectural accents and reliable container plantings.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of edging
Noun
  • Brighton sold Carlos Baleba to Manchester United in August in a deal worth up to £70m, and also losing Ayari during the summer window would have been a headache for the head coach.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Pay for the features that reduce headaches After 1,700 miles, that might have been the biggest lesson.
    — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Leftover detergent or fabric softener can irritate skin and cause itching or redness in some individuals.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Excessive or undiluted consumption of ACV, for example, can irritate your gastrointestinal tract, erode tooth enamel, and potentially interact with certain medications, said Walker.
    — Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • Asian food Lucknow is considered by many Indians as one of the country’s greatest culinary capitals, but beyond the South Asian nation’s borders, the city has remained largely absent from global conversations about food.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On a community level, that could mean creating more open spaces between the waterfront and development, replacing the asphalt that borders places like Virginia Key with mangroves and walking paths.
    — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of border
Noun
  • Alas, by disguising themselves in earthling form, these superior beings must submit themselves to the worst indignities of the human condition — namely the frequent need to go to the bathroom and the constant nuisance of dealing with emotions.
    — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of nuisance

Browse Nearby Words

ruffians
ruffle
ruffled
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Cite this Entry

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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