rile

verb

ˈrī(-ə)l How to pronounce rile (audio)
Definition of rilenext
1
as in to annoy
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 to infuriate
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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rile different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rile are exasperate, irritate, nettle, peeve, and provoke. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

When would exasperate be a good substitute for rile?

In some situations, the words exasperate and rile are roughly equivalent. However, exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When is it sensible to use irritate instead of rile?

Although the words irritate and rile have much in common, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When is nettle a more appropriate choice than rile?

The words nettle and rile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When can peeve be used instead of rile?

While the synonyms peeve and rile are close in meaning, peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When could provoke be used to replace rile?

The synonyms provoke and rile are sometimes interchangeable, but provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

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 rile Following the shocking news that Amazon MGM Studios has taken full creative control of the 007 franchise, Bezos riled up the fandom on X by asking his 6.8 million followers for their thoughts on who should succeed Daniel Craig as the world’s most famous movie secret agent. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025 Emery was riled by suggestions Villa’s structure suffered in the second half. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025 The 2025 Grammy Awards were filled with moments almost guaranteed to get MAGA nation riled up, as artists used their platforms to speak up about trans rights, health care, immigration, and DEI initiatives. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025 The generally tame statement was still enough to rile up the likes of Megyn Kelly, who used it as another opportunity to stoke the right-wing backlash to the film. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rile
  1. annoy
  2. infuriate
  3. irritate
  4. anger
  5. bother
  6. enrage
  7. persecute
  8. bug
Verb
  • Waltz now has a bunch of top officials, and their teams, who are annoyed at him for drawing bad publicity.
    — Marc Caputo, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
  • However, standing in the middle of a road to capture the Eiffel Tower in the background is not only unsafe but can also annoy locals.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • And Democrats bet that Mr. Musk would infuriate their voters more than Mr. Trump’s endorsement would benefit Judge Schimel.
    — Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Crook told police the woman driving the Tesla had bumped his truck when opening her car door, infuriating him.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of infuriate
Verb
  • The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.
    — Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Other nations, angered by the new American tariffs, will impose their own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, reducing the sales of America’s most internationally competitive companies.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025
  • As the situation unfolds, Republicans are caught in a delicate balancing act, wary of angering Trump while addressing the growing backlash against his trade policies.
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of anger
Verb
  • Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.
    — Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU Will Campbell has fallen a bit due to his shorter arm length, but that likely won't bother Ben Johnson.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of bother
Verb
  • The university caved to Trump's demands, enraging students and graduates alike.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Democratic base is enraged, but the party remains staunchly divided on how to respond two months into his second term.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of enrage
Verb
  • The Roman authorities persecuted Christians harshly, subjecting them to torture and deaths even more gruesome than crucifixion.
    — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The former president has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and says he's being politically persecuted.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of persecute
Verb
  • Ema then asks the question that’s been bugging her—why hasn’t Leo’s body been found?
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ferrell bugs his eyes out and sighs a series of increasingly desperate spit-takes, but this project was probably doomed from the get-go.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
Definition of bug

Browse Nearby Words

rig (up)
rile
riled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rile. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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