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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
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 4 June 2025
The sleeves have a romantic ruffle detail that, paired with the subtle V-neck, will instantly dress up even a pair of denim shorts.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Noun
With details like the off-the-shoulder ruffle, tiered design, and waist tie, this design is begging to be worn to dinner al fresco, complete with ceviche and chilled margaritas.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 4 June 2025
The sleeves have a romantic ruffle detail that, paired with the subtle V-neck, will instantly dress up even a pair of denim shorts.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Verb
Here’s why May 23, 2025 Outside the golf resort, a stiff wind kicked up, ruffling the palm trees and sending small waves across a water hazard on the 18th green — an obvious metaphor for these blustery and unsettled times.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Darin’s confidence often came off as arrogance, and Davis’ friends Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were ruffled by the brashness of this newcomer to Vegas.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle
Noun
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The suit is fully lined and features a double-layer flounce at the top and bottom with crisscross straps.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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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,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The Houthis, who are a part of Iran’s proxy network and who the regime supplies with weapons and intelligence, have been a thorn in Israel’s side since disrupting commercial shipping in the Red Sea at the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2025
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But his days as one of five aldermen who said no to Daley’s infamous parking meter deal or a quixotic early thorn to Mayor Rahm Emanuel are long gone.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2025
Verb
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If your idea of patience looks like being endlessly agreeable, never getting annoyed, and staying calm through any inconvenience….—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
17 June 2025
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We get used to it quickly, and will be annoyed when it is replaced.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Crafted from moisture-wicking cotton and linen, with details like embroidery, scalloped edging, and ruffles, they’re polished without feeling fussy.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
20 June 2025
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The three ribbons are dark red with some gold text and gold edging.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2025
Noun
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This is just the wrong place for trash fees to be charged and is pretty much guaranteed to create massive headaches for homeowners.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 June 2025
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Bringing a pet to the vet's office for an appointment can often cause owners headaches, but one woman's chaotic experience left the internet in stitches.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Spicy foods: Spicy foods may irritate the stomach and intestines, which could worsen or extend food poisoning symptoms.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 June 2025
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This will irritate them and also decrease their likelihood of returning.—
Bartosz Skwarczek,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
Noun
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Advertisement When the sirens first went off in towns and cities across the country very early Friday morning, many people stayed in bed, knowing that earlier campaigns had wiped out the rocket capabilities of Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Israel's western flank, and Hezbollah, on its northern border.—
Orly Halpern,
Time,
18 June 2025
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President Trump's commitment to America was to fix this dysfunction by securing our borders and deporting criminals, drug traffickers, and those who seek to exploit our laws.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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An American Werewolf in London' (1981) American dudes backpacking in England get attacked by a werewolf, one of them becomes a beastly nuisance on the full moon, and things get bloody freaky in old London Town.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
14 June 2025
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In the longer term, the City Council would do well to reconsider enacting a city nuisance ordinance that would punish anyone rioting, looting, obstructing the public way, disrupting traffic, physically assaulting a police officer or even publicly calling for such behavior.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
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