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Definitions

ruffle

[ruhf-uhl] / ˈrʌf əl /
VERB
mess up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dishevel rumple
STRONG
cockle confuse crease crinkle crumple crush derange disarrange discompose disorder pucker purse rifle tangle tousle wrinkle
Antonyms
STRONG
calm open order organize smooth straighten
WEAK
soothe
VERB
upset, irritate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annoy disturb irk rattle
STRONG
abrade agitate anger bluster bother browbeat bully chafe confuse cow disconcert disquiet excite floor flummox flurry fluster fret fuddle gall harass intimidate nettle peeve perturb provoke stir stump torment trouble unsettle vex wear worry
WEAK
get to put off put out rattle one's cage shake up throw into tizzy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appease please soothe
STRONG
aid assist calm cheer clear up comfort compose delight encourage explain help leave alone lull make happy order pacify quiet settle tranquilize
WEAK
smooth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet it probably won’t be enough to ruffle feathers on Wall Street, especially with investors focused on Iran.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Nothing seems to ruffle his fur as this political veteran glides from crisis to crisis with feline calm, and the lick of a paw.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

Rachel has already admitted she is "nervous" that Fiona could "ruffle a few feathers" - especially as she voted out traitor Hugo on Friday's episode.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

His ability to ruffle feathers is simply indicative of his desire to speed things up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

“Here, with a few alterations, this’ll do. We’ll put a big pocket on the chest, adjust the waist, and leave the ruffle off.”

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.