ruffled

verb

Definition of rufflednext
past tense of ruffle
as in annoyed
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

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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 ruffled Similar to Musk’s past real estate projects in Texas, including towering metal gates around his West Lake Hills compound, the mogul’s latest venture has ruffled the feathers of some locals. — India Roby, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026 The top features ruffled cap sleeves and a flowy silhouette that can be easily paired with shorts in the summer and jeans as the weather cools down. — Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026 There is, however, evidence that this Spain team can be ruffled. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026 The flippy ruffled hem alone sets it apart, while a flattering drop waist adds to its airy silhouette. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 For example, style a red and white Madewell ruffled polka-dot top with blue denim shorts and a pair of strappy red sandals for the Fourth, and then rewear it with red satin pants and white kitten heels for a summer date night. — ABC News, 3 June 2026 Multiple reports have emerged claiming Hardy's alleged tardiness on set has ruffled feathers with the cast and crew, with one report asserting he was fired from the show. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 That decision has reportedly ruffled Melania’s feathers, according to astrology expert Tracy Higgs. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 25 May 2026 The factors that ruffled prospective investors in 2024 seem, for now, far in the rearview mirror. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruffled
  1. annoyed
  2. irritated
  3. bothered
  4. bugged
  5. persecuted
Verb
  • That was Gardner’s first game with the Colts after being acquired from the New York Jets, and while Indy pulled out the OT victory, Gardner was still annoyed by some of the social media chatter afterward.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Millard was either won over by Makowsky’s passion or annoyed into agreement by his persistence.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of annoyed
Verb
  • The comments irritated Ilicali, who took to social media in response.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But the idea has irritated California’s billionaire class, and some have left the state in protest or threatened to do so.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
Definition of irritated
Verb
  • Somewhere right now, a nurse is scoring a newborn out of ten because Virginia saw over breakfast something nobody else had bothered to address.
    — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • What bothered me most was that the effects always lasted longer than the fun did.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of bothered
Verb
  • The indictment revealed that prosecutors had bugged the Aisenbergs' home for three months after Sabrina's disappearance.
    — Curran Rastogi, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, a law-enforcement agency known as NABU, had bugged Mindich’s apartment in Kyiv, and detectives picked up his conversations about Fire Point.
    — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of bugged
Verb
  • García Luna pledged to restore independence and public confidence in the Public Ministry and began reviewing cases involving officials, journalists, and others who alleged that they had been politically persecuted under the previous administration.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Many Marranos persecuted by the Inquisition did secretly maintain a Jewish identity.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of persecuted

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ruffle
ruffled
ruffles
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Cite this Entry

“Ruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruffled. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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