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.

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

Asian e-commerce giant Shein's decision to set up shop in a historic Parisian department store has ruffled feathers in the fashion capital.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

In 2022, Jackson ruffled feathers when he told the Los Angeles Times that he was “not doing statue-chasing movies” and would “rather be Nick Fury.”

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025

It is impossible to tell whether Osiander’s preface soothed any ruffled feathers at the Vatican, but the evidence suggests that there were no ruffled feathers there to soothe.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin