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
• teases
• rasps
• spites
• 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
• outrages
• unsettles
• 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

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

For day two of the Sunny Hill Music Festival in Kosovo, the singer opted for a delicate satin playsuit with large lace ruffles lining the drop shoulders and angular short shorts. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

Dorm Décor Is No Joke Outfitting said tiny dorm rooms with monograms, dust ruffles, and designer-level home decor has become quite the beast itself at Southern colleges. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

Gerber wore a black chiffon gown made from long, sheer panels and narrow rows of vertical ruffles, with deep V necklines cut into the front and back. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

The alternate dress, which was revealed for the first time in 2011, was also an ivory silk taffeta gown with the same ruffles around the neck as the original but without the signature lace. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Zendaya wore a dramatic black Ashi Studio gown with a plunging neckline and enormous sculptural satin ruffles that billowed around her. — Marci Robin, Allure, 28 July 2026

Look for tops that have lace, floral embroidery, ruffles, or subtle sheer components with a delicate and sophisticated air, then layer a barn jacket or cardigan on top for additional warmth. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 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