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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Lauren Finney Harden,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
Whimsical elements come through in Anna Sui’s mixed media appliqués and ruffle trims on jeans and denim skirts, Chanel’s denim coordinates covered in clear sequins, Kenzo’s sets decorated with flower embroideries and Stella McCartney’s jeans with carnival stripes.
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Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2026
For example, style a red and white Madewell ruffled polka-dot top with blue denim shorts and a pair of strappy red sandals for the Fourth, and then rewear it with red satin pants and white kitten heels for a summer date night.
—
ABC News,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The Pima cotton feels silky and cooling, and the little elastic ruffle gives it some pizazz.
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Lauren Finney Harden,
InStyle,
26 June 2026
Whimsical elements come through in Anna Sui’s mixed media appliqués and ruffle trims on jeans and denim skirts, Chanel’s denim coordinates covered in clear sequins, Kenzo’s sets decorated with flower embroideries and Stella McCartney’s jeans with carnival stripes.
—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
Verb
The action could also ruffle bitter rival FC Barcelona’s feathers.
—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2026
For example, style a red and white Madewell ruffled polka-dot top with blue denim shorts and a pair of strappy red sandals for the Fourth, and then rewear it with red satin pants and white kitten heels for a summer date night.
—
ABC News,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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For some, summer is about wearing lightweight bohemian pieces, like flowing blouses, voluminous dresses, a lots of frills and flounces.
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Prone to wearing clothes that suggest an overgrown pre-teen herself, all frills, flounces and bright colors, Martha doesn’t look like great maternal material to Claire, although this judgmental attitude may be evidence of her own maternal deficiencies.
Noun
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Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
Verb
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Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
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Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Noun
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The organic edging and modern handles create a sleek, sophisticated finish.
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Singh explains that plastic edging, as well as wood, rock, or bricks, can crack, fade, move out of place, or become exposed over time, while doing little for the garden beyond creating a line.
Noun
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Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
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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.
Verb
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But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
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Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
Noun
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The bears seen in large urban centers and agricultural areas, like the southeastern corners of the state and parts of the western border, are generally transient, as those areas don't have enough woods to create a good habitat.
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Today, they're celebrated not just for their thrift, but for proving that small cars can have enormous personality – a trait Honda is now hoping will resonate far beyond Japan's borders.
Noun
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And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
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In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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