roil

verb

ˈrȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce roil (audio)
transitive sense 2 is also
ˈrī(-ə)l How to pronounce roil (audio)
roiled; roiling; roils
Synonyms of roilnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to make turbid by stirring up the sediment or dregs of
b
: to stir up : disturb, disorder
a crisis roiling the stock market
2
: rile sense 1

intransitive verb

: to move turbulently : be in a state of turbulence or agitation
conflicting emotions roiling inside her

Synonyms of roil

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Examples of roil in a Sentence

Financial markets have been roiled by the banking crisis. the waters of the gulf tossed and roiled as the hurricane surged toward the shore
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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.
Energy markets have been roiled since the US attacked Iran in late February and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. — Norah Rami, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 While the charges against LeVota continue to roil Jackson County, some leaders are hoping the fractured county can soon move past its longstanding controversies. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 The heat waves roiling Western Europe this summer toppled an average temperature record for the June-July period set in 2022, according to the European climate agency Copernicus. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The revelation is the latest example of how engaging the technology — and obfuscating such use — can roil audiences eager to support new films. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for roil

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of roil was in 1590

Rhymes for roil

See All Rhymes for roil

Browse Nearby Words

roi fainéant
roil
roily
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Roil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roil. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

roil

verb
ˈrȯi(ə)l How to pronounce roil (audio)
sense 2 is also ˈrī(ə)l
1
: to make cloudy or muddy by stirring up
roil the water of a brook
2
: to rouse the anger of

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Nglish: Translation of roil for Spanish Speakers

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