ruffle

Pleated decorative trim

Ruffle describes a disturbance of smoothness.

Wind ruffles water or hair; a bird ruffles its feathers.

To ruffle someone is to disturb their composure: The criticism didn't ruffle her.

A ruffle is also a strip of gathered fabric used as trim on clothing or curtains—the gathering creates deliberate irregularity in what would otherwise lie flat.

fabric

pleats

Doubled-over fabric folds

gathersAccumulates or collects
flounceOrnamental gathered fabric strip
trimRemove unwanted edges

frill · edging · lace · ribbon · collar · cuff · jabot · cascade · tiered · layered

dishevel

tousle

Disorder by rubbing

mussTo disorder casually
messDisorderly, troublesome condition
disarrayLack of order

rumple · unkempt · tangled · windswept · bedraggled · disordered · untidy · mussed · tumbled · tangle

texture

crinkle

Small fold or rustle

crimpPinch into folds
puckerDraw into wrinkles
wrinkleSurface fold or crease

crumple · corrugate · ripple · wave · undulate · fold · scrunch · bunch · ridge · crease

disturb

agitate

Disturb or provoke

unsettleCause unease or anxiety
perturbTo disturb deeply
discomposeTo disturb calm

fluster · disconcert · disquiet · irk · annoy · vex · irritate · bother · nettle · rile

bird

feathers

Bird's lightweight covering

plumageBird's complete feather coat
preenGroom with self-satisfaction
displayPresentation for viewing

fluff · crest · puffed · hackles · downy · breast · wings · neck · throat · courting

drum

flourish

To grow vigorously

rollList of names
tattooPermanent dermal design
beatRhythmic pulse or strike

snare · percussion · fanfare · ceremonial · military · parade · cadence · rhythmic · drumroll

ruffle

pleats

tousle

crinkle

agitate

feathers

flourish

ruffle

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family