ruffle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rufflenext
1
as in flounce
a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge and used as trimming likes lace curtains without ruffles and chintz curtains with ruffles

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ruffle

2 of 2

verb

ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
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!"

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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
Noun
The floral-print linen and silk-blend gauze midi dress features a bustier-style bodice with semi-exposed boning and a few fabric ruffles. — Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025 The dress featured a plunging v-neck and double ruffle train. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
This easy-to-wear Ralph Lauren ruffled one-piece, $135 at Everything But Water, comes in a beautiful pam green shade. — Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 Outside influencers gaining access to opportunities that had once been reserved for in-house employees could potentially ruffle some feathers. — Kaleigh Moore, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
  1. flounce
  2. thorn
  3. annoy
  4. edging
  5. headache
  6. irritate
  7. border
  8. nuisance
Noun
  • Fringe was responsible for a lot of movement, flounce, and drama this Fashion Week.
    — Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Steer clear of heavy flounces and statement prints that draw attention to your fuller bust.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of flounce
Noun
  • Every detail aligned with the central motif of the rose—even the bag handles were accented with thorns.
    — Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Because of that, the switchbacks are mostly covered in chunks of wood and small branches, some with thorns.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • With Connecticut facing the possibility of exceeding the cap by $61 million, Lamont is reining in spending, annoying some liberal Democrats who note that the state is simultaneously looking at a budget surplus.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Also keeping with that theme are tons of Marvel references to the point that Mara (who starred in 2015’s Fantastic Four) was likely getting annoyed.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • Each piece comes in a baby blue shade and is adorned with a delicate white floral pattern, bright flower artwork, and embossed beaded edging.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Shorter types need to be featured farther forward, and trailing types are used for bed edgings.
    — Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of edging
Noun
  • Skeptics point to volatility, security headaches, and the risk of distorting bitcoin markets if a major government holds too large a stake.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • These side effects include hot flashes, nausea, calf cramps, skin itching or burning, headaches, abdominal discomforts, and fatigue.18 6.
    — Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Salt grains may be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin types.
    — Susan Bard, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the on-again, off-again tariffs and the militarization of the border, Trump has irritated Mexico by renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have driven the Ukrainian army out of a key town in Russia's Kursk border region, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Other countries in the EU—Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus—have their own border arrangements.
    — Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of border
Noun
  • While some travelers may view passing through the security line as a nuisance, TSA plays a critical role in the safety of traveling throughout the U.S. – and their work expands far beyond airports.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers.
    — Jennifer Safstrom, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of nuisance

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Cite this Entry

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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