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
Patchwork of strengths, priorities Advocacy organizations have always worked in tandem, but organizers are especially seeking closer collaboration to mobilize more protesters as Trump policies rile more people.
—
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
Today, the University recruits students and VIPs (like NFL stars, Olympic athletes, and high-profile alumni) to lead the Two-Bits cheer and rile up the crowd, and it’s always done in the spirit of Florida pride with no ulterior financial motive, as Edmondson himself established.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
The locals, especially seniors and year-round residents, are riled up.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2025
The perpetrator is obviously deranged, but posts like Min’s might rile up and radicalize the next deranged person.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rile
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
Today, the University recruits students and VIPs (like NFL stars, Olympic athletes, and high-profile alumni) to lead the Two-Bits cheer and rile up the crowd, and it’s always done in the spirit of Florida pride with no ulterior financial motive, as Edmondson himself established.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
The locals, especially seniors and year-round residents, are riled up.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2025
The perpetrator is obviously deranged, but posts like Min’s might rile up and radicalize the next deranged person.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rile
Verb
-
She’d been awakened by their puppy, and had been annoyed at Ryan, who hadn’t gotten up early with the dog like he was supposed to.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Kelce was evaluated for a concussion in the locker room, and he was annoyed at having to answer the questions that are part of the test.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That defeat denied Indianapolis a playoff appearance and infuriated the man in charge of it all.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The lack of details about the operations has infuriated members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
How Air Quality and Allergens Affect Vision Pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide irritate the eyes and contribute to inflammation.—
William Jones,
Ascend Agency,
11 Nov. 2025
-
That time hasn’t arrived yet, though, so the Packers know what awaits them Monday night from a team that might have a little more incentive to irritate everyone inside Lambeau Field.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Obama’s enthusiastic showings for both candidates was a test of whether his sway over the Democratic Party still remains after his support for Harris failed to boost her to the White House a year ago and angered black male voters who felt unfairly accused of sexism.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has angered many Americans by wearing masks while on duty, attacking peaceful protesters and arresting mostly people with no criminal record.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The clanging of dirty dishes being gathered in the back kitchen does not bother her.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Instagram and TikTok are littered with stories of women and their unsupportive husbands, men who can't remember their own children's birthdays or be bothered to take a weekend off from their golf hobby to spend time with their families.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Schumer and nine other Senate Democrats voted to keep the government open back then, enraging Democrats who had wanted to use the pressure point to fight back against the administration.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
-
To further enrage Predator purists, Thia and Dek adopt a cuddly little monkey-ish creature as their companion, a CGI bit of whimsy seemingly borrowed from Pixar.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
German far-right influencer applies for asylum in US A prominent far-right German activist and influencer is seeking political asylum in the US, arguing she is being persecuted at home for her beliefs.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Langkawi, Malaysia Reuters — The number of people confirmed dead after a boat carrying members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya community sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border rose to 11 on Monday, authorities said, with about 70 people believed to have been on board the capsized vessel.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Time to start bugging a friend with Hulu + Live TV instead or invest in an antenna.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Both can reduce debris or items that attract the boxelder bugs.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rile. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share