RUFFLES Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

ruffles 1 of 2

noun

plural of ruffle

as in flounces

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 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

ruffles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of ruffle

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!"

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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 ruffles

Noun

This baby-pink maxi has an adjustable neck strap and cascading ruffles along the bottom. — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 Much like The Morning Show star’s, this top has a V-neck design outlined by ruffles, with three-quarter-length sleeves for the in-between weather. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Many costumes were trimmed in white lace and ruffles; a few guests came in full drag topped with elaborate hats. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Dust ruffles may have gone the way of the dodo after their heyday in the maximalist ’80s, but the absolute best bed skirts (done up in cottagecore ginghams and frothy sateens) are putting the antiquated bed dressing back on the map. — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 3 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 Gerber wore a black chiffon gown made from long, sheer panels and narrow rows of vertical ruffles, with deep V necklines cut into the front and back. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 Zendaya wore a dramatic black Ashi Studio gown with a plunging neckline and enormous sculptural satin ruffles that billowed around her. — Marci Robin, Allure, 28 July 2026 Look for tops that have lace, floral embroidery, ruffles, or subtle sheer components with a delicate and sophisticated air, then layer a barn jacket or cardigan on top for additional warmth. — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 2026

Verb

Mama pats Rafa’s head then ruffles his hair. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 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

For some, summer is about wearing lightweight bohemian pieces, like flowing blouses, voluminous dresses, a lots of frills and flounces.

— Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Prone to wearing clothes that suggest an overgrown pre-teen herself, all frills, flounces and bright colors, Martha doesn’t look like great maternal material to Claire, although this judgmental attitude may be evidence of her own maternal deficiencies.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026

Definition of flounces

Noun

Bridge’s rapid rise was driven by regions that featured high friction across borders, like Latin America.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Ukraine escalates its own long-range drone campaign, hitting Russian command posts and major online retailers, while stray drones over neighboring Moldova underscore fears the war could spill across borders.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of borders

Noun

Much like its London siblings, Chelsea Townhouse offers a striking counterpoint to the slew of large luxury hotels that have opened in the city more recently—a discreet, comfortable brand of luxury without the extra frills.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Similar pushes are happening at the Australian and French Opens (Wimbledon remains an outlier with its low-frills qualies held in a field in Roehampton).

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of frills

Noun

But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026
One year before his triumph in the 2026 US Open, Clark missed the cut at the same tournament and took his frustrations out on the Oakmont Country Club locker room, causing enough damage that the famous club outside Pittsburgh banned him for life.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of frustrations

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ruffled

ruffles

ruffling

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

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Synonyms of ruffles

noun

verb

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