1
2
as in to anger
to make angry
the clerk's brusque refusal of her request roiled her enough to prompt a complaint to his supervisor
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 roil
Homicide and nonfatal shooting totals fell again in 2023, but the city was roiled by robbery and carjacking crews responsible for an overall uptick in violence.
—
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
He is accused of using the now-shuttered Apple Daily to call for sanctions against Hong Kong and China during the huge anti-government protests that roiled the finance hub in 2019 and after the law was introduced the following year.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
During inflation, everything got bigger, including the sub-microscopic quantum foam that constantly roils and bubbles at the tiniest scales.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2025
It was roiled by rampant political violence, frequent political assassinations, and street fights between communists and fascists, both of whom rejected the new regime.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for roil
Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
He is accused of using the now-shuttered Apple Daily to call for sanctions against Hong Kong and China during the huge anti-government protests that roiled the finance hub in 2019 and after the law was introduced the following year.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
During inflation, everything got bigger, including the sub-microscopic quantum foam that constantly roils and bubbles at the tiniest scales.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2025
It was roiled by rampant political violence, frequent political assassinations, and street fights between communists and fascists, both of whom rejected the new regime.
—Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for roil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for roil
Verb
-
The bristles are neither too floppy nor too stiff, neither too long nor too short, and are cut to the perfect rounded shape that’s just right for swirling pigment over the apples or spreading it along your cheekbones—without having to work too hard for a completely natural finish.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
These familiar, turbulent morasses of swirling droplets continue to stymie scientists.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, sharp spending cuts have angered many, while corruption allegations against senior officials have dented his party’s odds ahead of next month’s vote, which could determine the future of Milei’s presidency.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Lawyers at Walsh Gallegos coordinated two releases of emails and other documents on behalf of the school board, but CNN reported how gaping holes remained, surprising and angering board members.—
Shimon Prokupecz,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That, combined with professional property management, will leave you free of midnight plumbing calls and churning tenants.—
Justin Donald,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
In place of steady waves, there’s just a churning sea.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Slightly ironic for a man who in his time as the team’s GM this century has infuriated all parts of Cowboys nation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The scale of the destruction shocked and infuriated Cutright, according to a different source familiar with the incident who did not want to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Humans could be easily killed by radiation exposure, and the lack of atmospheric pressure on Mars or in orbit would cause a person’s blood to boil if they were exposed.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Take your time and make sure to boil and simmer as directed.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Never mind that the Jets’ rookie coach, Aaron Glenn, had enraged him by cutting him loose.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
And whether the Carolina Panthers are just stuck in an endless loop of embarrassment, one that alternately humiliates and enrages their fans.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Many also seethed over the fact that some of these same teams had memorialized George Floyd, the Black man murdered on video by Derek Chauvin, then a Minneapolis police officer, in 2020, whose death set off a nationwide wave of street demonstrations.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Colts’ late owner used to seethe over the fact that his team couldn’t find a way to win a Week 1 game, but the Colts’ 11-year streak — the second-longest in NFL history heading into Sunday — is now over thanks to a 33-8 rout over the Dolphins.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Don't push sales and annoy people.—
Nitin Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Comments about my fast walk annoy me.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Roil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/roil. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share