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
After Fallon’s now-infamous Tonight Show interview with Donald Trump leading up to the 2016 election, many criticized him for humanizing Trump by asking him softball questions and tousling his hair.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tousle
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for tousle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tousle
Verb
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The results reinforce what many pediatric specialists have long suspected—that too much screen exposure in early childhood may disrupt normal brain development.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Unlike antifa, the Proud Boys actually did something that disrupted the United States federal government and threatened to derail the peaceful transfer of power.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Sharks also shuffled their defense pairs for Monday’s practice, with Dmitry Orlov and Mario Ferraro forming the top line, Nick Leddy with Timothy Liljegren, and Sam Dickinson paired with John Klingberg.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
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Couples, girlfriends, and wellness aficionados were shuffling from pool to plunge, catching up, sitting close, and enjoying the experience together.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Then, use your scrubbing brush to wipe down the tank walls, taking care not to disturb the internal parts like the fill valve and flush valve.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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Low-energy hits only disturbed the surface, while stronger impacts caused cracks and deformation that exposed more material for reaction.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But this cake isn't an exact replica of their earlier chocolate cake, leaving some guests confused about what this cake is.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
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Some companies kind of got confused [about] what their true role is and how they’re supposed to be delivering value, and that’s getting a bit corrected now.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tousle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tousle. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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