rankle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The defeat and the nature of it will rankle, especially because she was considered a serious challenger for the title.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

But the lack of progress on the issue has started to rankle the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union for officers below the rank of lieutenant.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Choi plays him accurately enough to rankle his home country’s audience, and believably enough to earn the rapper new fans in the U.S. and elsewhere.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025

Even the most powerful state can push things too far and rankle too many rivals.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2024

I was proud of my sister, but that year, something began to rankle beneath the pride.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson