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

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

In another look, she was outfitted in an oxblood red bodysuit with a keyhole, halter neckline, lace ruffles and a layered veil skirt. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Big patterns or embellishments like ruffles can draw the eye away from any breast asymmetries and shape or volume changes, Peled said. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026

The pregnant star posed for photos in a white, off-the-shoulder Blumarine Resort gown with a halter neckline and sheer balloon sleeves, with ruffles which flowed down to the ground. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026

Hand sewn button holes, or ruffles made of old men’s shirts were all beautiful ways to put some real beauty into otherwise practical clothes. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Hathaway, styled by Erin Walsh, wore a white mini-dress from Blumarine’s resort 2027 collection, a cascade of semi-sheer, billowing fabric and arpeggiating white ruffles that culminated in a delicate halterneck. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Its high collar rose above the jacket, with more ruffles pushing past the sleeves at each wrist. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026

This lightweight, ankle-length dress adheres to the dress code, while still adding a little something extra thanks to the summery ruffles that drapes across the silhouette. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 June 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