Synonyms of ruffles

ruffles 1 of 2

noun

plural of ruffle

1

as in flounces

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

• flounces
• edgings
• borders
• frills
• trims
• furbelows
• fringes
• pleats
• ruffs
• skirtings
• plaits
• buntings

2

as in thorns

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

• thorns
• headaches
• worries
• frustrations
• nuisances
• rubs
• hair shirts
• irritants
• inconveniences
• problems
• irks
• exasperations
• annoyances
• insults
• peeves
• pests
• bothers
• pinpricks
• trials
• menaces
• bugbears
• vexations
• aggravations
• botherations
• anxieties
• aggros
• fleabites
• hassles
• upsets
• burdens
• discomforts
• affronts
• curses
• annoyers
• crosses
• troubles
• plagues
• sores
• offenders
• predicaments
• millstones
• albatross
• offenses
• disturbers
• pet peeves
• plights
• mischiefs
• tribulations
• hang-ups
• harassers
• pandora's boxes
• afflictions

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasures
• joys
• delights

ruffles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of ruffle

as in annoys

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

• annoys
• bugs
• bothers
• irritates
• persecutes
• gets
• aggravates
• eats
• nettles
• grates
• frosts
• itches
• burns (up)
• chafes
• riles
• exasperates
• irks
• infuriates
• gripes
• worries
• wears on
• rasps
• spites
• teases
• angers
• piques
• vexes
• galls
• gets to
• insults
• hacks (off)
• provokes
• narks
• sticks in one's craw
• puts out
• sets one's teeth on edge
• plagues
• peeves
• rubs the wrong way
• upsets
• offends
• gets on one's nerves
• gets one's goat
• nags
• enrages
• harasses
• rouses
• unsettles
• outrages
• inflames
• hassles
• distresses
• devils
• agitates
• disquiets
• antagonizes
• baits
• heckles
• bullyrags
• harries
• maddens
• rankles
• perturbs
• undoes
• roils
• badgers
• exercises
• frets
• incenses
• pesters
• freaks (out)
• affronts
• unhinges
• discomposes
• hagrides
• discomforts
• miffs

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obliges
• delights
• pleases
• gratifies
• satisfies
• contents
• mollifies
• conciliates
• appeases
• gladdens
• pacifies
• propitiates
• placates
• cheers
• comforts
• assures
• soothes
• consoles
• quiets
• reassures
• solaces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ruffles

Noun

Think ruffles, shoulders, polka dots, flowers, glamour, flowers and plenty of joyful clothes and accessories spanning lifestyle and occasionwear. — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

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

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

Properties like the Songteller Hotel lean into the pink side of Parton’s life, with velvety magenta furniture, glittering chandeliers, roses, ruffles, and scallops. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026

Many costumes were trimmed in white lace and ruffles; a few guests came in full drag topped with elaborate hats. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map. — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

Mama pats Rafa’s head then ruffles his hair. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026

And Elon Musk’s AI power plant ruffles a Mississippi city. — David Hickey, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026

Luckily for the show, nothing ruffles the other women’s feathers more, so good television still ensues. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025