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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
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
In 2025, the timing of the Cannes dress code announcement allowed a few rebels to get around the new rules—from Heidi Klum and her dramatic ruffle train to Bella Hadid, whose daring split dress also flirted with the limits imposed by Cannes protocol.
—Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2026
At times, Musk’s avoidance tactics shut down lines of questioning, ruffling Savitt’s feathers.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
Sequins, ruffles and 3D polka dots Demi Moore, Jane Fonda and Maika Monroe were among the stars showcasing the best looks at the Cannes Film Festival.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
In 2025, the timing of the Cannes dress code announcement allowed a few rebels to get around the new rules—from Heidi Klum and her dramatic ruffle train to Bella Hadid, whose daring split dress also flirted with the limits imposed by Cannes protocol.
—Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
Verb
Fruit Punch® Dianthus This ruffled perennial dianthus makes for a striking addition to your Mother’s Day bouquet.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2026
At times, Musk’s avoidance tactics shut down lines of questioning, ruffling Savitt’s feathers.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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The size of the flounce can also dictate the messaging.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2026
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When Hyacinth flounces off to check the hall, Eloise hot on her trail, Sophie begs for a moment of Violet’s time.—
Christina Grace Tucker,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Kris says of the fascinator — is actually a crown of sticks and thorns that would fit in beautifully in an episode of Yellowjackets.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
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Wear protective clothing and leather gloves, as thorns found along the stems hurt.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Verb
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That’s what so annoys Erika at some point.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
18 May 2026
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But if creases annoy you, look elsewhere.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Asymmetrical scalloped edging, warm wood, and clean lines make this whimsical mirror an easy yes for a midimalist setup.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
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Rival Kalshi showed Pratt edging ahead of Raman for second place, with 26% to her 23%, while Bass remained in front at 47%.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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And Malia is also achingly lonesome for her family life, with a sister about to get married and a doting father played, in this headache-inducingly twisty psychodrama’s most refreshing meta-twist, by Romanian director Radu Jude.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
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Apply Essential Oils at Entry Points Essential oils such as lavender, citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus irritate crickets' sensory organs, McHale says.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 May 2026
Noun
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Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said his new government has summoned the Russian ambassador over a drone attack near Hungary’s border, in a significant shift from his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s friendly relations with Moscow.—
Hanna Arhirova,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The county is majority Republican, but the general sentiment was strongly opposed to a border barrier.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
Noun
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The hotel is on a block next to a major road, but the noise is more of a distant city hum than a nuisance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
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Sargassum has become an increasingly expensive nuisance for coastal communities, and as blooms become larger due to warming water temperatures because of climate change and fertilizer run off providing blooms with endless nutrients, the problem will continue to mushroom.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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