as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
his grandfather would always tousle the boy's neatly combed hair
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Recent Examples of tousle
The late night appearance doubled as Hoult formally debuting his hair on the show — the star wore his locks, which were shaved down on the sides for a tapered cut, tousled on the top to give the look a stylish edge.
—
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 26 June 2025
In images and clips shared across social media, the 25-year-old performer stunned in a rich, blue gown, tousled up-do ,and declared her affection for love.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist, Tym Wallace, was brushed over to one side and tousled at the crown for a little volume, with the length hitting right below her cheekbone at a sharp angle.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Sep. 2024
Appleton was in charge of recreating Barrymore’s golden tresses by skillfully applying a wig that was tousled just the right amount.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tousle
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 26 June 2025
In images and clips shared across social media, the 25-year-old performer stunned in a rich, blue gown, tousled up-do ,and declared her affection for love.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Her hair, styled by her go-to hairstylist, Tym Wallace, was brushed over to one side and tousled at the crown for a little volume, with the length hitting right below her cheekbone at a sharp angle.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Sep. 2024
Appleton was in charge of recreating Barrymore’s golden tresses by skillfully applying a wig that was tousled just the right amount.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for tousle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tousle
Verb
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At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
9 Sep. 2025
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Anders is disrupting financial services.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Young Hamnet’s shuffling off this mortal coil once laid the groundwork for a masterpiece.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
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Shelters that shuffle people in and out overnight don’t solve anything.—
Stephan Rabimov,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Vic and Cali hadn’t wanted a wedding, but this had disturbed Vic’s parents.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
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Two players take on the roles of a brother and sister who are searching for their missing buddies on an island inhabited by some rather disturbing monsters.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This decision could confuse your friends.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tousle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tousle. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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