roil

verb

ˈrȯi(-ə)l 

transitive sense 2 is also

ˈrī(-ə)l 

roiled; roiling; roils

transitive verb

1

a

: to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of

b

: to stir up : disturb, disorder

a crisis roiling the stock market

2

: rile sense 1

intransitive verb

: to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation

conflicting emotions roiling inside her

Synonyms of roil

• swirl
• churn
• boil
• seethe

Examples of roil in a Sentence

Financial markets have been roiled by the banking crisis.

the waters of the gulf tossed and roiled as the hurricane surged toward the shore

Recent Examples on the Web

Iran's ability to impede shipping traffic through the strait, which transports roughly 20% of the world's oil, has roiled the global economy and driven up gas prices in the United States. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 24 May 2026

Indeed, many colleges and universities have been roiled by frequent antisemitic incidents, Title VI antisemitism investigations and dismal grades from antisemitism watchdogs. —Debra Newman Kamin, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has roiled energy markets, sending crude oil prices sharply higher — a key driver of inflation. —Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

While Becerra has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the corruption scandal has roiled the governor’s race as his rivals have used it as political fodder. —Grace Hase, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for roil

• boil
• broil
• coil
• foil
• oil
• soil
• spoil
• toil
• voile
• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil

Kids Definition

roil

verb

ˈrȯi(ə)l 

sense 2 is also ˈrī(ə)l

1

: to make cloudy or muddy by stirring up

roil the water of a brook

2

: to rouse the anger of