1
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger
that kind of rude treatment from a young person makes me rankle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to infuriate
to make angry
it rankles me when some schools can't even afford paper and pencils for the students
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rankle
Last year, state Republican lawmakers rankled the president by refusing to redraw Indiana’s congressional map.
—
Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Of all the outlandish things that happened in the show, Thompson worried that that particular plot point might rankle viewers.
—Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
The rush for the Canadian market follows a landmark trade deal between Ottawa and Beijing that rankled Canadian auto executives.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Watching the two countries strike a deal might very well have rankled Trump, but the president was reticent about any concerns.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rankle
Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Of all the outlandish things that happened in the show, Thompson worried that that particular plot point might rankle viewers.
—Yohana Desta, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
The rush for the Canadian market follows a landmark trade deal between Ottawa and Beijing that rankled Canadian auto executives.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Watching the two countries strike a deal might very well have rankled Trump, but the president was reticent about any concerns.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rankle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rankle
Verb
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It can also be used to wrap sandwiches or other items before heating to keep them secure, or for steaming proteins and vegetables, helping retain their moisture and nutrients.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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If using fresh, the clams should start to steam open, give up their juices, and further flavor the broth.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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No one exemplifies that, and infuriates Twins fans more, than Ortiz.—
Brian Hall,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
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Seeing Sparkle cry about Landfair’s experience — something that Landfair hadn’t fully come to terms with — was discombobulating and infuriating.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite the ongoing human suffering, Rick remains uninvolved in the war raging across Europe and North Africa.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
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Neill, who returns as Alan Grant for an Xfinity Super Bowl ad, remembers bonding with his costars while the storm raged in 1992.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But every time Trump takes to social media, angered by drug trafficking – or drone incursions, Sheinbaum Pardo has deftly reminded him of their working partnership, Jacobson said.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
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In one of those realities (the actual one most of us are living in), a growing number of people across the political spectrum are angered, terrified and disgusted by actions being taken in their names by people and agencies which seem to have little or no accountability.—
Brenda Looper,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If humans opt to burn more fossil fuels and increase climate pollution, that number drops to just four.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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The reasons in this case, Dunn said, include the emissions released by the new compressors — which would be powered by burning gas from the pipeline — as well the noise and vibrations produced by the facility.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hulu This startling three-part docuseries tells the unfortunate, enraging story of Larry Ray.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
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This is exactly the kind of mainstream Christian view that enrages Allie Beth Stuckey.—
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For now, the anger appeared to have simmered but is expected to boil.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
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Aim for just before boiling (195 to 205°F) for French press coffee.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
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The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.—
Maddalena Fossati,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rankle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rankle. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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