rile

verb

ˈrī(-ə)l How to pronounce rile (audio)
riled; riling
Synonyms of rile

transitive verb

1
: to make agitated and angry : upset
Her comments riled the professor.
2
: roil sense 1

Synonyms of rile

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irritate, exasperate, nettle, provoke, rile, peeve mean to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance.

irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

Examples of rile in a Sentence

Her comments riled the professor. one sure way to rile me is to keep yelling for me
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While unquestionably divisive, the topic of her speech wasn’t what riled the online masses. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Those types of responses have riled her critics, who have portrayed her as indecisive at best, and an opportunist at worst. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 On Sunday, Philadelphia Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni and Washington Commanders Coach Dan Quinn missed the mark in spectacularly costly ways, riling up two fan bases already on edge. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026 Portnoy’s schtick is to rile up opponents, which often includes taunts. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rile

Word History

Etymology

variant of roil

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rile was in 1724

Rhymes for rile

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Browse Nearby Words

rilawa
rile
riley
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Cite this Entry

“Rile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rile. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rile

verb
ˈrī(ə)l How to pronounce rile (audio)
riled; riling
1
: to make angry
2
: roil sense 1
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