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

For the occasion, Klum opted for a gloriously theatrical, tangerine-orange Lever Couture dress that featured sculptural, accordion-pleated ruffles that fell from mini-dress length to an arpeggiated train. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The silhouette was slim-fitting, with a scoop neckline and flowing skirt that cascaded in ruffles to the red carpet. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Adding a bit of texture like ruffles and feathers will give it a more editorial touch. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026

Zendaya appeared at the show in a white lace jacket with voluminous ruffles along the collar and down the sleeves. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2026

Zendaya layered the intricate lace piece, which was trimmed with giant ruffles, over a simple white tank and baggy low-rise jeans. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Oct. 2026

Our favorite dress picks have a variety of styles and versatile features, like darling ruffles, cinching waistlines, and trending silhouettes. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2026

By the second week’s promotional events, pleats and ruffles came to the fore. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 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

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