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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rile
Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais.
—
Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025
Despite losing to Georgia in the conference championship game, DeBoer's Crimson Tide earned one of this year's 12 CFP spots, potentially riling up coaches and fans from other programs who felt their teams got snubbed.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
His teammates got riled up, targeted Elliss and a scuffle with pushing and shoving ensued.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
But on Sunday, voters will go to the polls to vote on an inheritance tax that has riled them up.
—Carolin Roth, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rile
Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2025
Despite losing to Georgia in the conference championship game, DeBoer's Crimson Tide earned one of this year's 12 CFP spots, potentially riling up coaches and fans from other programs who felt their teams got snubbed.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
His teammates got riled up, targeted Elliss and a scuffle with pushing and shoving ensued.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025
But on Sunday, voters will go to the polls to vote on an inheritance tax that has riled them up.
—Carolin Roth, CNBC, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rile
Verb
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In particular, you might be concerned or annoyed about financial issues with a friend or a group.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
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Here are two habits that often annoy people the most, and reliably signal that a partner is deeply invested in you.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But Newsom’s decision to leave LaMalfa’s seat vacant as long as possible has infuriated California Republicans.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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Besides playing with his usual defensive edginess, Larsson chipped in 16 points (7-for-9 shooting), nine assists, six rebounds and a steal and twice managed to infuriate normally mild-manner veteran DeMar DeRozan, who body checked him to the ground on one sequence and clotheslined him on another.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These changes to the fabric’s texture can also irritate delicate skin.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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To ensure the materials were safe for biological use, the friction layers was tested on a rabbit’s eye, where the device maintained its charge without irritating.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Opposition to the war grew in Australia along with the Palestinian death toll, and last September the government angered Israeli leaders by supporting other like-minded Western nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, by formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
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Republican senators, who were responding to the revelation subpoenas of members’ phone records by former special counsel Jack Smith in his 2020 election probe, had previously blindsided and angered the House by including that provision in a bill to end the historic government shutdown.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
The Hill,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Zamiri doesn’t really bother filming fans rushing Charli’s car or whatever—this has been the quintessential mock-pop-doc scene since A Hard Day’s Night but these days the fans rush you online.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
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Aquarius' biggest struggle in 2026 Don’t bother trying to control the outcome.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday has enraged many people across the country.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2026
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Duran booted a water bottle on his way down the tunnel while manager Unai Emery was enraged by Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall putting his finger to his lips and telling the Spaniard to be quiet.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Open Doors is a global Christian charity supporting Christians persecuted for their faith.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
28 Dec. 2025
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Most commonly, people felt they were being persecuted via their electronics – that their Wi-Fi networks, computers or cellphones had been hacked or implanted with tracking devices.—
Alaina Vandervoort Burns,
The Conversation,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The celebrities allege that the company illegally spied on them by hiring private investigators to hack their phones, bug their cars and access private records.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Harry, along with Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and others, alleges the publisher hired private investigators to bug their cars, obtain personal records and eavesdrop on calls.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rile. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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