RUFFLE Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

ruffle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ruffle

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

ruffle

2 of 2

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 ruffle

Noun

It’s relaxed yet sophisticated thanks to ruffle hems, buttons, and long puff sleeves that are wearable in both summer and fall. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 Dorm Décor Is No Joke Outfitting said tiny dorm rooms with monograms, dust ruffles, and designer-level home decor has become quite the beast itself at Southern colleges. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 31 July 2026

Verb

Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman and Commissioner John Herbst took issue with her leadership, accusing her of being dismissive to subordinates and ruffling too many feathers. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruffle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffle

Noun

The asymmetrical dress featured a flowing flounce of silver chainmail.

— Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 31 July 2026
With ruffle sleeves, a smocked empire waist, and a flounce skirt, this dress has the same luxe look as Kate’s.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of flounce

Noun

As new-ish CBS News chieftain Bari Weiss looks poised to rule over CNN too, there are worries in Blue State and MSM circles about the fate of the cable newser — a thorn in Donald Trump‘s paw — if the ParaBros deal closes.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
These networks used to buffer against isolation and economic displacement—the thorns of modern life that make partnership more valuable yet love more difficult to find.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of thorn

Verb

At the Glenn-Mills trial in Los Angeles, Meta attorneys repeatedly hammered witnesses about the lack of a listing — at times appearing to annoy jurors and test the patience of the court.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
During his last visit to Tehran in 2012, Aryan Diba enjoyed the sweeping hospitality of the city, but was annoyed when he and a group of friends were disrupted by local authorities while talking to a group of women at a local fast food joint.

— Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoy

Noun

Contrast details like this blue velvet piping (Peacock from Pepper Home) outline the silhouette and emphasize the headboard's shape, while fringe, brush trim, scalloped edging, or decorative tape add an extra layer of personality.

— Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026
An old toothbrush can help reach between the balusters or spindles and decorative edging on posts and caps.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of edging

Verb

Lemon water can irritate teeth or stomach in large amounts and may need to be limited in people with advanced kidney disease who have fluid or potassium restrictions.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Few things at airports irritate customers like filthy toilets or water on the restroom floor.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritate

Noun

Four firefighters were killed and a fifth was injured after they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire in Colorado, near the Utah border, in June.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
The 27-member EU bloc has a visa-free travel area known as Schengen that allows citizens of most EU countries to travel easily across borders for work and pleasure.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of border

Noun

Bots were once a fairly small portion of traffic and primarily treated as a threat or a nuisance; today, around 57% of web traffic consists of bots, according to Cloudflare’s chief strategy officer, Stephanie Cohen.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Powerful running and high work rate made Rutter a nuisance to Brighton’s opponents, but his form and confidence nosedived last season.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Browse Nearby Words

ruffians

ruffle

ruffled

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffle. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ruffle

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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