RILING Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

riling 1 of 2

adjective

as in annoying

causing annoyance a riling habit that drives his wife crazy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

riling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of rile

as in bothering

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in angering

to make angry her husband isn't easily riled, but once he is, he stays that way for days

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 riling

Adjective

The only thing more riling than a referee’s interference in a sports event is a politician’s. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Verb

Which is why, in a bit of an odd turn of events, Sumrall riling up some SEC drama might just be valuable. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Trips included a May 2025 visit to Bahrain and Israel and a December 2025 trip to Jordan, Abu Dhabi and Qatar as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations were riling Minneapolis. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 The proposal, which is currently out to public consultation, appears to be riling everyone from ordinary pub-goers to residents of 10 Downing Street. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Mbappé, who scored on a penalty in the 70th minute, was riling up the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia following France’s 1-0 victory in the Round of 16. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Sediment in the water is an issue that is riling up both residents and environmentalists. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 McCarty said, riling up the crowd. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026 Isaacman made the comments while endorsing a proposal to halve NASA's science budget, riling some astronomers. — CBS News, 4 May 2026 Some clips showed owls and ravens attacking the couple, especially riling up fans. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riling

Adjective

In Atrahasis, noisy humans become annoying to the gods, so the gods drown them.

— Eric Vanden Eykel, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026
There's a lot to love about this Lego Icons Project Hail Mary set, including the lack of annoying stickers.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoying

Verb

For example, companies that benefit from customers not bothering to cancel subscriptions, compare prices, or search for better deals have taken a beating in recent weeks.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
If neck pain keeps coming back or the lines bothering you keep getting deeper, talk with a doctor or dermatologist instead of relying on a gadget alone.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of bothering

Verb

The widespread use of arrests, tear gas and riot-control weapons against teenagers is fueling defiance and angering some parents and teachers.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Spain is hard-hit due to small rental market The housing crunch has been simmering for years in Spain, eating into household budgets and angering voters.

— Joseph Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of angering

Adjective

That tiny gesture may explain why secret copying can feel especially irritating.

— Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 17 Sep. 2026
Despite its splashy unveiling, Project Zenith is more about making the OS less irritating for developers than adding any groundbreaking capabilities.

— Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritating

Verb

Cummings said that in January 2021, a friend of Birchmore’s called Stoughton police and told a dispatcher about the illicit relationship, infuriating Farwell.

— Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 9 Oct. 2026
His laserlike focus on the particulars of the story doesn’t leave much room for extrapolation; even the infuriating case of bureaucratic overreach that the film depicts can easily be understood, and perhaps even defended, as an aberration.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of infuriating

Verb

Biden weaponized Law Enforcement against his political opponent, while also persecuting many other innocent people.

— New York Times, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Jack Hayford, the founder of the King’s University, in Texas, claimed that the film was persecuting Christians, who only wanted to be treated equally.

— Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026

Definition of persecuting

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riley

riling

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Style

“Riling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of riling

adjective

verb

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