Showing results for riles. Search instead for rilles.

riles

VERB

anger, upset

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annoy bother disturb exasperate gall inflame irk irritate peeve provoke roil vex

STRONG

acerbate aggravate bug grate nettle pique

WEAK

get one's goat get under skin put out rub one the wrong way try one's patience

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid appease assist calm comfort delight help make happy pacify placate please soothe

STRONG

mollify

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.

Another ploy that is not against the rules - but riles up many - is the underarm serve.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

“It is the kind of thing that riles people up, and that makes our situation in Arizona and other states more dangerous,” he said.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2024

In this case, the bait caused a stir in the sharks, similar to how catnip riles up felines.

From Scientific American • Jul. 26, 2023

Both parties also favor reform of some aspects of the monarchy, a position that riles the conservative royalist establishment that regards the institution as sacrosanct.

From Washington Times • May 15, 2023

I scowl at him, but scowling at him only ever riles him up.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri