1
as in annoys
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 angers
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
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Recent Examples of riles
As today’s Solar Eclipse riles up your 7th House of Partnership, you’ll be reminded to balance pride with listening in every close exchange.
—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
City councils and other local boards often decide on sleepy, procedural agendas, but, occasionally, an issue riles citizens to turn out and speak their minds during public comment.
—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
30 Dec. 2025
Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais.
—
Aamer Madhani,
Fortune,
14 Dec. 2025
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
As Eddie is named a suspect in the murders, Jason riles up the town to hunt him down, claiming the Hellfire Club is a cult.
—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
19 Nov. 2025
Inflammation also riles up the immune system, which can spiral out of control and attack the heart and other organs.
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
City councils and other local boards often decide on sleepy, procedural agendas, but, occasionally, an issue riles citizens to turn out and speak their minds during public comment.
—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
30 Dec. 2025
Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais.
—
Aamer Madhani,
Fortune,
14 Dec. 2025
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
As Eddie is named a suspect in the murders, Jason riles up the town to hunt him down, claiming the Hellfire Club is a cult.
—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
19 Nov. 2025
Inflammation also riles up the immune system, which can spiral out of control and attack the heart and other organs.
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riles
Verb
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What is the pettiest thing that annoys you during a race weekend?
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One of the more common ways bear encounters escalate is when an off-leash dog runs toward a bear, annoys it, and then comes sprinting back to its owner with an angry predator in pursuit.
Verb
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In all, PayPal Park is allowed to host as many as 15 concerts a year, a number that delights some live music fans and angers those in the neighborhood who are concerned about the noise that these shows will generate.
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Becerra has received a lot of support from Big Oil, which also angers progressives but is also probably a good thing since California still needs a lot of oil.
Verb
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If someone is in your life long enough, they’re bound to do something that irritates you—and you’re bound to do something that irritates them.
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Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.
Verb
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Georgia Supreme Court challenger Jen Jordan infuriates Republicans with a new fundraising email.
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To that end, Nate's extravagant wedding infuriates Naz, who thinks Nate has the ability to pay him back but is holding out on him.
Verb
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Oh, and more often than not, nobody bothers to check whether the change intervention actually worked, or whether leaders improve their performance after all!
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The government no longer even bothers to disguise itself as a democracy.
Verb
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The ghostly character doesn't have a particularly significant role in the story, but is a constant nuisance in the tapestry of Hogwarts with antics that include throwing things, making messes, pulling pranks, and generally causing mischief that enrages caretaker Argus Filch.
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This is exactly the kind of mainstream Christian view that enrages Allie Beth Stuckey.
Verb
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China, which jails human rights activists in Hong Kong, persecutes Uyghurs, has killed hundreds of thousands of Tibetans and has committed genocide against the Falun Gong, is on the UN Human Rights Council.
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In Russia, the civilian repressive apparatus persecutes the military, which leaps at every chance for revenge.
Verb
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When traveling, the EPA suggests inspecting any room visitors will be staying in for the presence of bed bugs.
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As an existing subdivision — 99% of it vacant — Azure Vista offered hundreds of buildable vacant lots populated only by red ants, quail and Groucho Marx bugs.
Cite this Entry
“Riles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riles. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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