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

The loss did not ruffle Catan's feathers, however.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

On the Board of Supervisors, Horvath has been unafraid to take chances and ruffle feathers.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

I grin and ruffle up the Doorman’s fur.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak