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

The revelation is the latest example of how engaging the technology — and obfuscating such use — can roil audiences eager to support new films. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Closure of the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas once passed, has driven up the price of fuel and basic goods far beyond the region, roiling the global economy. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Tariff upheaval has roiled trading relationships on a global scale, but an ongoing dialogue is taking place between brands and their suppliers. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026

The controversial billionaire tax won the backing of the California Democratic Party on Sunday, the latest twist in the drama surrounding a measure that has roiled the left and its allies. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 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