as in bothering
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffling
Verb
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So, at least for now, Chamorro is not bothering with the official Pop Mart drops.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025 -
While there is still hope that Clark can return this season from the groin injury that has been bothering her, there is no guarantee of that becoming a reality.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The competitive father, however, noted that his son has picked up Rafael Nadal's forehand, playfully annoying Novak by mimicking his rival's swing.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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So, how can an organization remain current on customers' ever-changing needs and expectations without annoying or estranging them?—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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However, Agnes is dressed exactly like Wednesday and her Single White Female act is irritating the hell out of her hero.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
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Pesky skeeters are irritating Lake County residents as the number of insects carrying the worrisome West Nile Virus climbs.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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For 25 years, Chavism has co-opted Venezuela's infrastructure for its own enrichment, persecuting journalists and opposition, wrecking the economy, and leaving its citizens in poverty.—
Kristina Foltz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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In July, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two of the Taliban’s top leaders, accusing them of persecuting women and girls in Afghanistan, which the group dismissed.—
Astha Rajvanshi,
NBC news,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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After the game, Witt was getting treatment and a further evaluation.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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To give so many deaf people the opportunity to work on a high-end TV drama was a really cool side bonus to getting Reunion made – not to mention the dozens of fantastic deaf actors who came in to play various roles in the show.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Cao faces one count of murder with eight allegations of aggravating factors, including his use of a knife, prosecutors said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
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Just make sure that your hands are clean before applying it to avoid spreading bacteria and aggravating breakouts further.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
5 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ruffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffling. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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