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
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
Bubble hems are still trending and well-suited for the younger crowd, as are ruffles, bold florals, polka dots and anything else that feels fresh for the new season.
—Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Below, some of the finest, high-quality ruffled bedding around the web for creating the frothy bedscape of your daydreams.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The playful pleated ruffle hem adds a flirty, eye-catching detail—and helps prevent the fabric from riding up.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
Bubble hems are still trending and well-suited for the younger crowd, as are ruffles, bold florals, polka dots and anything else that feels fresh for the new season.
—Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
The stunt ruffled more than a few feathers, with surveillance photos of the incident showing Fairbarn allegedly entering the habitat and roughly grabbing the bird by its legs.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Below, some of the finest, high-quality ruffled bedding around the web for creating the frothy bedscape of your daydreams.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
-
The size of the flounce can also dictate the messaging.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
28 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The platform’s staff has seemed minorly annoyed at the shots Denk and others at Beehiiv have taken as Substack has moved from disruptor to incumbent.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
30 Mar. 2026
-
One who grew up respectful but annoyed by the success the league previously had in Seattle.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Depending on the thickness of the steel chosen, the edging can last from 20 to 25 years.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Creeping phlox is a great choice for edging, rock walls, or slopes, and will brighten any garden with its abundance of cheerful pastel blooms.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
However, the ink was barely dry when new revelations emerged last week that pose a fresh headache for Cannon.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Authorities said Koc and Alshmari attacked the victim, causing a split lip and headaches.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even minimal exposure to artificial lights irritated his burns, and recovery took months.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Many people have come out of the woodwork and jumped on the bandwagon, which irritated me.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While these were heard mainly in towns close to the Lebanese border in the north, sirens were also heard in Jerusalem and central Israel.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Early voting started in Georgia's 14th congressional district — which spans from the outskirts of metro Atlanta northwest to the southern border of Tennessee — on March 30 and continues to April 2 before election day next week.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The site fell into neglect and became a blighted public nuisance.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The company could face even more penalties in a second phase of the trial set to start in May, over whether Meta created a public nuisance.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
