1
2
as in thorns
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 annoys
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 ruffles
Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The straight fit of the skirt pairs well with the peplum ruffles of the tank top.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 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
Try a dark, long-sleeve floral from Agua by Agua Bendita, or cascading ruffles in a gown the color of a great cabernet by Aje.
—Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Chicken liver mousse is piped in ruffles on savory sablé cookies; a thimble-sized complimentary cocktail begins the meal for those who drink alcohol.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
For the occasion, my mother had put on her Balenciaga, a black dress with two wide shoulder straps, a firm bodice, a full skirt that ended a few inches above the ankles, and the illusion of an underskirt supplied by a band of taffeta ruffles, also black, that peeked out from beneath the hem.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
David Hickey, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Luckily for the show, nothing ruffles the other women’s feathers more, so good television still ensues.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
The teen wore a floral baby blue and white princess-style gown featuring a strapless corset and playful layered ruffles.
—Lindy Segal, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
The front of the top was cropped, while extra fabric floated in ruffles at the back.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The straight fit of the skirt pairs well with the peplum ruffles of the tank top.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 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
Try a dark, long-sleeve floral from Agua by Agua Bendita, or cascading ruffles in a gown the color of a great cabernet by Aje.
—Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
Chicken liver mousse is piped in ruffles on savory sablé cookies; a thimble-sized complimentary cocktail begins the meal for those who drink alcohol.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 16 Mar. 2026
For the occasion, my mother had put on her Balenciaga, a black dress with two wide shoulder straps, a firm bodice, a full skirt that ended a few inches above the ankles, and the illusion of an underskirt supplied by a band of taffeta ruffles, also black, that peeked out from beneath the hem.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
And Elon Musk’s AI power plant ruffles a Mississippi city.
—David Hickey, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
Luckily for the show, nothing ruffles the other women’s feathers more, so good television still ensues.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffles
Noun
-
Two centuries later, frills and flounces are back in style on the heels of the cottagecore bedding scene, allowing your bedscape to embrace its softer side.—
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
-
Also known as seaberry, Fried says this plant is notable for its resistance to deer because of its sharp thorns and tree-like height.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Or when Reggie purposefully annoys Arthur by having his son, Carmelo (Jalyn Hall), practice with his a cappella group in Arthur’s editing suite, a move that demonstrates the increasingly teasing affection between Arthur and Reggie.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The real story behind one of Texas’ biggest wildlife headaches starts with a decision the state made on purpose.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 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
-
When traveling, the EPA suggests inspecting any room visitors will be staying in for the presence of bed bugs.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
As an existing subdivision — 99% of it vacant — Azure Vista offered hundreds of buildable vacant lots populated only by red ants, quail and Groucho Marx bugs.—
Eric DuVall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The North Star state now has an opportunity to write a narrative that positions it as a hub for both innovation and solidarity — harnessing stories that can travel beyond local borders and serve as a model for entrepreneurs everywhere.—
Melissa Jun Rowley,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Coneflower adapts to various soils and tolerates drought, adding color to borders and natural areas.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
None of that, nor the fact Beckham missed all of 2025, bothers Harbaugh.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Even if their own tax bill is manageable, the idea that the wealthy are underpaying — or that the government is wasting their dollars — bothers many.—
Linley Sanders,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The result is a design with clear, bold lines and no unnecessary frills.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For years, Spirit was a high-flying, no frills, profit machine, but since the pandemic, the airline failed to merge with JetBlue as consumer tastes changed to favor a more premium style of travel that left the airline in dire financial straits.—
Kris Van Cleave,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffles. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
