ruffled feathers

NOUN

offense

Synonyms

WEAK

affront aggression assailment assault attack battery black eye blitz blitzkrieg dig dirty dig dudgeon harm hit huff hurt indignation indignity injury injustice left-handed compliment miff mugging onset onslaught outrage pique push put-down resentment slam slap in the face slight snub umbrage zinger

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.

White likewise plays down the impact of forays into local politics by fellow US ambassadors that have ruffled feathers in France, Poland and elsewhere.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

That approach ruffled feathers across the sport, as detractors argued that the offseason shopping spree was against the spirit of college sports—a bridge too far even in the wild west of today’s NCAA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

This ruffled feathers in a way none of her previous campaigns had, and the pushback she received only fed her beliefs about vast conspiracies.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

Thomas Tuchel has only been England boss for 10 months - but he has again made headlines and ruffled feathers with his answers in an interview.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

Then their eyes were riveted; a slate-colored pigeon swooped down to the middle of the steel car tracks and began strutting to and fro with ruffled feathers, its fat neck bobbing with regal pride.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright