1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
one sure way to rile me is to keep yelling for me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to infuriate
to make angry
her husband isn't easily riled, but once he is, he stays that way for days
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rile
There's no better way to enhance the volume and bounce than what those ringlets can rile up.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
After New York pulled off a 29-point comeback against the Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, June 10, riled up fans flocked to the San Antonio team's New York City hotel, where Wembanyama was met with boos and nearly pelted with eggs.
—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
The issue has riled the pharmaceutical industry and contributed to a long-standing clash with hospitals over the 340B drug discount program.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
1 June 2026
McCarty said, riling up the crowd.
—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rile
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
After New York pulled off a 29-point comeback against the Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, June 10, riled up fans flocked to the San Antonio team's New York City hotel, where Wembanyama was met with boos and nearly pelted with eggs.
—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
The issue has riled the pharmaceutical industry and contributed to a long-standing clash with hospitals over the 340B drug discount program.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
1 June 2026
McCarty said, riling up the crowd.
—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rile
Verb
-
Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
-
Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
Verb
-
They’re infuriated with a military that turned out to repress civilian protests in recent years, but appeared slow to mobilize in support of earthquake victims this week.
-
The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.
Verb
-
Avoid potentially irritating actives Immediately after shaving is not the time to reach for your strongest skin-care products.
-
While some of my linen pieces feel scratchy, this one is ultra soft and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Verb
-
The mayor floated the idea to place Williams on probation for six months, angering the city manager’s supporters in the crowd.
-
All the spending on the national events angers one supervisor at a Florida airport.
Verb
-
For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
-
What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
Verb
-
Despite his concessions to the SSPX, Francis enraged many Catholic traditionalists by reversing Benedict's relaxation on celebrating the old Latin Mass for the broader Catholic Church.
-
The story enraged campus and district officials and played a role in Stapleton’s ousting, despite a later retraction.
Verb
-
The Washington Principles also recognize that many sales of artwork by Jews during the Nazi era occurred while they were being persecuted, or under duress.
-
Representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine have been persecuted.
Verb
-
What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
-
The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
Cite this Entry
“Rile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rile. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
