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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
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
Shoes are getting the ruffle treatment, and New Yorkers are here for it.
—Claudia Fisher, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
It’s cut with a deep V neckline and loose, relaxed sleeves, while the ruffles around the torso are flattering and forgiving.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
Shoes are getting the ruffle treatment, and New Yorkers are here for it.
—Claudia Fisher, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
Here’s why May 23, 2025 Outside the golf resort, a stiff wind kicked up, ruffling the palm trees and sending small waves across a water hazard on the 18th green — an obvious metaphor for these blustery and unsettled times.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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It's fitted through the chest and waist and has a full skirt detailed with a tiered flounce and delicate ruffles.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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Fringe was responsible for a lot of movement, flounce, and drama this Fashion Week.—
Victoria Montalti,
refinery29.com,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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But one Democratic strategist said Emanuel’s record — particularly as mayor of Chicago — could be a thorn in his side.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The comedy as a second-class sibling to the drama is a notion that has annoyed the people who make television comedies for years.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
7 June 2025
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In some cases, that will be obvious: You’ll get annoyed by weird or loud noises and odors, notice your energy bill has skyrocketed, or spot signs of a leak.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2025
Noun
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For lawn care, start with just mowing before adding edging and landscaping.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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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
Noun
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Its stern warnings are scary and uncomfortable--the headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, body aches, clenched teeth or knots in your chest.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
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There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
Noun
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The legislation would fulfill Trump’s key campaign promises, including an extension of his 2017 tax cuts, no taxes on tips and overtime and additional border security, paid for, in part, by cuts to Medicaid.—
Sara Dorn,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The longtime border journalist Todd Miller told me that border-security agencies such as C.B.P. and ICE have long relied on private contractors, including security guards who do menial work at ports of entry so that Border Patrol can conduct more rigorous missions.—
Jessica Pishko,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
Noun
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The velocity of misinformation isn’t just a nuisance.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Eating flaxseed might even ease menopausal symptoms, which—among its many other nuisances—can often include GI issues.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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