roil

verb

ˈrȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce roil (audio)
 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
2

intransitive verb

: to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation
conflicting emotions roiling inside her

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
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.
She was named editor in chief at CBS News last week by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, and CBS News staffers have been roiled in the aftermath. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 At the time, the institution enrolled several African American students whose presence at times roiled a campus that also attracted Southern white students. Time, 14 Oct. 2025 In the 10 years since GM developed its strategy to develop a full portfolio of EVs, seismic issues repeatedly roiled the industry and put strain on the company’s capital. Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 Arnett’s comic timing is a given, but the actor finds previously unseen depths in the ache roiling underneath. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for roil

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of roil was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roil. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

roil

verb
ˈrȯi(ə)l How to pronounce roil (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on roil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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