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ruffle

[ruhf-uhl] / ˈrʌf əl /




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.

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Davis had a reputation for supporting artists, but his decisions could sometimes ruffle feathers.

From BBC Jun. 22, 2026

Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 15, 2026

Despite hand-wringing over the risk that travellers will baulk at paying higher fares, the ongoing war did not appear to ruffle feathers at the International Air Transport Association's annual conference in Rio, which ends Monday.

From Barron's Jun. 8, 2026

Data centers serve that purpose nicely: Like all large-scale building projects, they ruffle local feathers; and their purpose, unlike an airport or a shopping center, requires explanation and so lends itself to conspiratorial Facebook posting.

From The Wall Street Journal May 20, 2026

I grin and ruffle up the Doorman’s fur.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

He suggests of loudcasting that "in two years' time we're not going to worry about it", and that those ruffled by it will be more tolerant while offenders modify their behaviour somewhat.

From BBC Aug. 5, 2026

We’re sorry for any ruffled feathers, but someone has to say this after the outpouring of scorn directed at Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh this week.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 31, 2026

Cheaper and faster models coming from developers in China -- particularly from DeepSeek and Moonshot -- have ruffled feathers, and raised concerns about intellectual property theft, in the US.

From Barron's Jul. 22, 2026

Although she was dressed in a ruffled, all-white dress, they thankfully did not get married on the spot.

From Salon Jun. 12, 2026

I’d have asked her more but was thrown off when she held up a pattern for a bib apron with a ruffled hem.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

The results are flaky rows of delicate porcelain that resemble oversize scales or ruffling coral.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

President Donald Trump has a way of ruffling feathers.

From Barron's Jan. 23, 2026

Last year, comedian Nikki Glaser did the impossible, earning raves as the show’s first solo female host without ruffling too many feathers.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 5, 2025

It was also a chance for Lamar to make incisive commentary within his performance without ruffling the feathers of advertisers or the NFL.

From Salon Feb. 10, 2025

“I do say so,” said Fadi, ruffling her hair.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai




Vocabulary lists containing ruffle


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