1
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
Zendaya sported a see-through little black dress decorated with floral embroidery and ruffles, layering it underneath a glittery floor-length coat complete with satin bell sleeves.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 June 2026
The dress featured a form-fitting bodice with a high-low bottom that flared out in ruffles.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
In the photos, Jenner accessorizes the pink bikini with a matching pink skirt with ruffles on the bottom.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
On court, Osaka wore a blue-and-green Nike dress streaked with vertical ruffles.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 28 May 2026
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
Noun
The vibrant orange and pink shades are playful and bold, but the subtle ruffles maintains its overall refined look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
Zendaya sported a see-through little black dress decorated with floral embroidery and ruffles, layering it underneath a glittery floor-length coat complete with satin bell sleeves.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 June 2026
The dress featured a form-fitting bodice with a high-low bottom that flared out in ruffles.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
In the photos, Jenner accessorizes the pink bikini with a matching pink skirt with ruffles on the bottom.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
On court, Osaka wore a blue-and-green Nike dress streaked with vertical ruffles.
—Ava Wallace, New York Times, 28 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
Noun
-
Others may even have thorns, so thornless trees like the captivator are quite popular.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
10 June 2026
-
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Gandhi said drama remains the genre most likely to cross borders and reach mainstream audiences, adding that the value of IP continues to grow in an increasingly competitive streaming market.—
Lin Ying-Hsuan,
Variety,
17 June 2026
-
The achievement has resonated far beyond Jordan's borders.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Common symptoms include headaches, fever, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, neck stiffness or flu-like symptoms.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
This first patient had fever, headaches, muscle pain, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea and abdominal pain, among other symptoms.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
When traveling, the EPA suggests inspecting any room visitors will be staying in for the presence of bed bugs.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
As an existing subdivision — 99% of it vacant — Azure Vista offered hundreds of buildable vacant lots populated only by red ants, quail and Groucho Marx bugs.—
Eric DuVall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
No frills are left to entice or distract passengers.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
12 June 2026
-
There are no frills to the moment, just her and her microphone.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Putting those questions up front helps avoid the tenant frustrations that have dogged parts of the industry as operators expand, contract or change hands.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
Local media reported the clashes involving small groups of migrants erupted because of frustrations at the delays in them returning home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffles. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
