RUFFLES Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

ruffles 1 of 2

noun

plural of ruffle

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 ruffles

Noun

On court, Osaka wore a blue-and-green Nike dress streaked with vertical ruffles. —

Ava Wallace, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Elsewhere, brands like PatBO, Anthropologie and AMUR are experimenting with even bolder silhouettes featuring feather trims, exaggerated ruffles and sculptural appliqués. —

Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 The Grammy Award-winning singer posed for photos on the red carpet in a black bodysuit with a plunging neckline and sheer mesh on the side and ruffles on the neck and down the torso. —

Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026 This top subtly calls back to a 19th-century Spanish flamenco dress, a style traditionally defined by dramatic bell sleeves, voluminous ruffles, and sweeping off-the-shoulder silhouettes. —

Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 While the fashion interpretation of this trend is all about ruffles, bows, and pastels, the baby name version is more about embodying cuteness. —

Kara Nesvig, Parents, 21 May 2026 The bodice was simple enough, with a plain spaghetti strap top and scoop neckline, but the bottom cascaded out into a pouf of black ruffles for the skirt. —

Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 Sequins, ruffles and 3D polka dots Demi Moore, Jane Fonda and Maika Monroe were among the stars showcasing the best looks at the Cannes Film Festival. —

Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Its loose silhouette is comfy and breathable (a must for travel), while the sleeves are elevated with ruffles to add even more intricate detailing to this blouse. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffles

Noun

Prone to wearing clothes that suggest an overgrown pre-teen herself, all frills, flounces and bright colors, Martha doesn’t look like great maternal material to Claire, although this judgmental attitude may be evidence of her own maternal deficiencies.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026
Two centuries later, frills and flounces are back in style on the heels of the cottagecore bedding scene, allowing your bedscape to embrace its softer side.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026