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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.
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Recent Examples of ruffles
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 14 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
Glamorous as ever at 92, Joan Collins swans onto the Cannes red carpet in ruffles and diamonds for the Electric Kiss premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The garment is associated with a distinctively feminine look, including accents such as lace, ruffles, appliques, marabou, bows and ribbons.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 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
Colorful graduation dresses Elastic smocking hugs the bodice for a secure fit, while flutter sleeves and ruffles keep this dress cool and breezy.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
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 garment featured a knee-length, high-low design with ruffles at the hem.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 14 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
Glamorous as ever at 92, Joan Collins swans onto the Cannes red carpet in ruffles and diamonds for the Electric Kiss premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
The garment is associated with a distinctively feminine look, including accents such as lace, ruffles, appliques, marabou, bows and ribbons.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 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
Colorful graduation dresses Elastic smocking hugs the bodice for a secure fit, while flutter sleeves and ruffles keep this dress cool and breezy.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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
-
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
-
When Hyacinth flounces off to check the hall, Eloise hot on her trail, Sophie begs for a moment of Violet’s time.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Also known as seaberry, Fried says this plant is notable for its resistance to deer because of its sharp thorns and tree-like height.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Or when Reggie purposefully annoys Arthur by having his son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), practice with his a cappella group in Arthur’s editing suite, a move that demonstrates the increasingly teasing affection between Arthur and Reggie.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hantavirus, a rare disease typically caused by exposure to infected rodents’ urine or feces, can cause headaches, fever, gastrointestinal issues and respiratory problems.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Patient groups are jockeying for exemptions from Medicaid work requirements, but the unusually fast implementation timeline for states is causing headaches.—
John Wilkerson,
STAT,
12 May 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
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The new report describes a sprawling transnational criminal system in which Brazilian syndicates, Colombian guerrilla dissidents, Ecuadorian gangs and local crime families collaborate and compete simultaneously while moving drugs, gold, weapons and money across porous borders.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
-
Beauty tourism is reshaping how people approach cosmetic care, with travelers crossing borders for everything from salmon-DNA injections in Seoul to hair transplants in Istanbul.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
This is hurtful and bothers me a lot.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
My fiance struggles with communication and tends to pretend nothing bothers him.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
This batch recipe is easy to make and requires no frills for serving at any backyard celebration.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The result is a design with clear, bold lines and no unnecessary frills.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffles. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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