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
• tease
• grate
• 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
• plague
• get one's goat
• upset
• enrage
• get on one's nerves
• harass
• rouse
• antagonize
• nag
• devil
• inflame
• badger
• agitate
• rankle
• distress
• heckle
• unsettle
• outrage
• perturb
• 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

The sweet ruffle hem adds a stylish touch, instantly elevating your airport outfit. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Hathaway, styled by Erin Walsh, wore a white mini-dress from Blumarine’s resort 2027 collection, a cascade of semi-sheer, billowing fabric and arpeggiating white ruffles that culminated in a delicate halterneck. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Verb

The flippy ruffled hem alone sets it apart, while a flattering drop waist adds to its airy silhouette. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

The action could also ruffle bitter rival FC Barcelona’s feathers. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026