1
2
as in thorn
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 to annoy
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 ruffle
Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The ruffles extend from the shoulders to halfway down the top, and there’s cute pleated detailing around the collarbone.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 Apr. 2025
Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
The comedian admitted though that Wallen's post on social media later did ruffle his feathers a bit.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Clothing that embodies duality: soft ruffles alongside sharp lines, flowing silhouettes punctuated by bold accents, classic stripes reimagined through a romantic lens.
—Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
The ruffles extend from the shoulders to halfway down the top, and there’s cute pleated detailing around the collarbone.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
This floral midi dress will definitely be in my style rotation, thanks to a V-neckline, fabric belt, and ruffled high-low hemline.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
The comedian admitted though that Wallen's post on social media later did ruffle his feathers a bit.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
Fringe was responsible for a lot of movement, flounce, and drama this Fashion Week.—
Victoria Montalti,
refinery29.com,
12 Feb. 2025
-
Steer clear of heavy flounces and statement prints that draw attention to your fuller bust.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lai, a pugnacious former publisher whose now shuttered tabloid Apple Daily was a regular thorn in Beijing’s side, is in the midst of a national security trial that could send him to prison for life.—
Juliana Liu,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
The absence of Curry will be a big thorn in the Warriors' side as he's been great these playoffs.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
But until Tuesday afternoon, four days out, there had been no announcement of what acts would be performing, or even where the show would be held The radio silence annoyed fans, who said so online.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2025
-
Nearly one-half of Republicans (52%) are annoyed with how much attention is being paid to climate change vs. only 13% for Democrats.—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
To add a simple yet effective border to your garden, skip the plastic edging and instead go for a more natural look.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Mint spreads by rhizomes, and a garden bed with deep edging will prevent most escapees.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
That outage effectively shut down one of the nation’s busiest airports for approximately two hours, and led to days of cancellations, delays and headaches for travelers.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2025
-
But string and yarn can become a headache for owners if their cats get their paws on it, which is exactly what happened to TikTok user @healingat40.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
These ingredients can irritate the digestive tract, the bladder, or the teeth for people who are sensitive to them.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
1 May 2025
-
Chronic inflammation has been shown to irritate blood vessels and can lead to the hardening of fatty plaques in the lining of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart.—
Liz Szabo,
Scientific American,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Another country in that system, which includes the United States, can then agree to help resettle that person within its borders.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2025
-
After completing training with an infantry unit in the summer of 2023, he was assigned that fall to an outpost on the Gaza border staffed by 16 soldiers.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
Resurging opposition to fluoridation — the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems at safe levels to prevent tooth decay — has been a nuisance for dentists, researchers and public health experts.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
12 May 2025
-
How to get rid of gnats Generally, gnats are more of a nuisance than an actual threat to humans.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share