TOUSLE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

tousle

verb

ˈtau̇-zəl

Definition of tousle

as in to disrupt

to undo the proper order or arrangement of his grandfather would always tousle the boy's neatly combed hair

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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.

Recent Examples of tousle Kardashian, 45, showed off a pair of ice-blue contact lenses and wore her chocolate brown hair tousled across her shoulders. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026 Like the French bob, the quintessential French pixie involves tousled loose waves and that effortless je-ne-sais-quoi attitude. — Audrey Noble, InStyle, 2 July 2026 They were also joined in the auditorium by Boris Kudrin, who plays their teenage son Seryozha — at one point Mazurov tousled Kudrin’s hair. — Brent Lang, Variety, 19 May 2026 Whether it was tousled by hand or pulled back in a tortoiseshell headband, Bessette’s length and color followed the same effortless code of her wardrobe, leaving us with enduring hair inspiration even after her untimely passing. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tousle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tousle

Verb

Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of disrupt

Verb

As soon as the game wrapped up, those guests shuffled out, and hours later were replaced by a rowdier group ordering shots at the bar, dancing to 2000s hits in front of the DJ booth and smoking vape pens on the outdoor patio.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Pretoria responded to the threat of violence in June 30 protests with millions of dollars shuffled inside the police budget, tactical units deployed, and soldiers on standby.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of shuffle

Verb

He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.

— Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026
The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

Definition of disturb

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“Tousle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tousle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of tousle

verb

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