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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
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Nearby, buyers from British retailers such as Asos, Barbour, Next and Marks & Spencer, tried their hand at spinning cashmere roving into yarn or learned how to sew on a ruffle made from scrap fabric.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Cori Sears, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026
The sweet morning air had yet to succumb to the heat of the day, and a slight breeze ruffled the trees.
—Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Sunday Rose's square, open-toed and otherwise black stilettos featured a pink and white ruffle texture that gave the appearance of a patch of flowers from a distance.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Nearby, buyers from British retailers such as Asos, Barbour, Next and Marks & Spencer, tried their hand at spinning cashmere roving into yarn or learned how to sew on a ruffle made from scrap fabric.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
From petite varieties perfect for container planting (like ‘New Baby,’ ‘Baby Boomer,’ and ‘Tête-à-tête’) to ruffled and double-petaled daffodils (like ‘Petit Four,’ ‘Tahiti,’ and ‘Valdrome’), your options are truly endless.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 18 Jan. 2026
The sweet morning air had yet to succumb to the heat of the day, and a slight breeze ruffled the trees.
—Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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After pouring out all of Tallulah’s earthly possessions — loose cash, thongs, several vapes, Bubble Tape — Paulena takes the bag and flounces off, leaving Tallulah vibrating with rage and Maia quietly panicking.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
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The flounce hem is feminine and fun, adding just enough interest to take this from plain to chic.—
Ivy Odom,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
Noun
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In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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According to fashion reporter Jarrod Jenkins, who shared a video of the event on his Instagram, Taylor said the theme of her previous Air Jordan 1 Zoom Cmft collaboration was centered around the rose, while the new Air Jordan 3 project hones in on the thorns.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
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The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.—
Maddalena Fossati,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Her Iamraw collection, intended to channel fragility, features subtle design details like double sleeves and raw edging in fabrics like Tencel, viscose and cotton.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
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The Queen Consort chose a Robinson Valentine white silk chiffon gown with scalloped edging and a matching white overcoat.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Psyduck, one of the main Pokémon used by Misty in the series, was a water-type who could use powerful psychic moves, but the timing and effectiveness of its abilities was disrupted by its constant headaches.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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On the same day Amber Glenn won Olympic gold as part of the team event and stepped away from social media due to backlash over her comments on politics and the LGBTQ+ community, the American figure skater ended up with another headache.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Both add flavor and hydration with minimal calories, but their acidity can irritate acid reflux and tooth enamel.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
6 Feb. 2026
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Undiluted bleach can leave behind a residue that is toxic to birds and may irritate their eyes and skin.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Dera was founded in 1948 by the mystic Mastana Balochistani in the Haryana city of Sirsa, near the northern state’s borders with Punjab, India’s breadbasket, and the desert state of Rajasthan.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Shovgi Huseynov, a researcher at the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in New York, was released from an immigration detention center nearly a month after making a wrong turn near the Canadian border.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intentionally obstructing the roadway, especially while impeding emergency access, is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, as is being a public nuisance by blocking the right-of-way.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
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For rulers abroad, the Puerto Rican people were mostly a nuisance to be managed.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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