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
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Recent Examples of ruffle
Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
This floral print table runner with green ruffles along the ends measures 14 inches by 72 inches and serves as a cheerful centerpiece for your dining space.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
Ted Koppel, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
Jelly Roll found out in December on The Joe Rogan Experience that he would be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and said nothing before the ceremony in March that would ruffle conservative Nashville feathers on the way.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
This floral print table runner with green ruffles along the ends measures 14 inches by 72 inches and serves as a cheerful centerpiece for your dining space.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
That, and pinning her promotional campaign's $220 million price tag on the boss, may have ruffled a few important feathers at the White House.
—Ted Koppel, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
Jelly Roll found out in December on The Joe Rogan Experience that he would be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and said nothing before the ceremony in March that would ruffle conservative Nashville feathers on the way.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 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
-
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
-
Gast Studio’s Stem Vase, on show at group exhibition Deoron, features glossy oversized thorn shapes that give the object both a hostile presence and a pleasingly jagged profile, like a rose stem on steroids.—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
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Shelter has long been a thorn in the side of the inflationary outlook for a very long time.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the president doesn’t get annoyed with him once or twice.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe annoyed enough to fix it.—
Nathan Edwards,
The Verge,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unfortunately, physical barriers like metal or plastic edging will not contain ground ivy, thanks to the underground roots.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
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Gravel, stone edging or mulch borders create crisp edges that separate planting areas from walkways, lending a tidy, professional finish.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Microplastics have the potential to become a greater headache for an apparel industry too dependent upon plastic fibers.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Some journalists draw a line between the government's mounting headaches and its escalating attacks on the messengers of that news.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Joining Stuart’s quest are his girlfriend, Denise (Lapkus); geologist buddy Bert (Posehn); and irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2026
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The Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangling Spray is no different and is free from fragrance and essential oils, two common ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The designation East Palestine may have come from its location in far east Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border, in Appalachia.—
Mary Norris,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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The 400-acre Carowinds amusement park straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina border in Charlotte and Fort Mill.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If data centers eventually are included, for example, neighbors could take a hit due to impacts on electricity costs, water access, industrial noise and other nuisances that can come into play when a megaproject moves in next door.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Not all ants are bad for the garden—some help with soil health and pest control—but fire ants and carpenter ants can be serious nuisances or hazards.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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