1
2
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
there's no need to agitate the patient about little things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 agitate
Groups are agitating for federal policymakers to revise station ownership rules, which cap ownership at a total reach of 39% of the U.S.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 July 2025
After all, tariffs are one of the main issues agitating Trump and his counterparts during his second-chance presidency.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 16 June 2025
This year, several state senators from eastern Oregon, buried deep in the legislative minority, agitated for hearings on it in the Oregon state capital of Salem.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The situation seemed to darken as more law enforcement agents and officers moved into the area, agitating some protesters.
—Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 July 2025
After all, tariffs are one of the main issues agitating Trump and his counterparts during his second-chance presidency.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 16 June 2025
This year, several state senators from eastern Oregon, buried deep in the legislative minority, agitated for hearings on it in the Oregon state capital of Salem.
—Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
The situation seemed to darken as more law enforcement agents and officers moved into the area, agitating some protesters.
—Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
-
That Trump’s name appears in Epstein files the government has not yet publicized has stirred a variety of reactions among his supporters.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
24 July 2025
-
To make the honey syrup: mix two parts honey by volume with one part hot water and stir to incorporate (let chill before preparing the cocktail).—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The indictment against Bolsonaro, as florid as a telenovela script, included disturbing allegations, such as a plot to poison Lula and kill Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.—
Shannon Sims,
New Yorker,
30 July 2025
-
When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.—
Justin Stebbing,
JSTOR Daily,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The two men appeared to shake hands before parting ways.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
28 July 2025
-
Accompanied by her brother-in-law, Sen. Edward Kennedy, the former first lady was seen at N.Y.C.'s 21 Club — shaking hands with other frequenters.—
Alex Apatoff,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
While the job interview can reveal a lot about a company, how an organization acts in discussing compensation gives insight into broader implications about the company.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
That neighbor hosted a meeting (upstairs, in a building without an elevator) where about 50 community members and a city councilor discussed how to stop the project.—
Jessica Slice,
The Atlantic,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
-
This means that some people might not bother using them.—
Ben Coxworth
July 26,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
Somewhere around hour two of not moving, my hamstrings began to vibrate like the low end of a baby grand.—
Peter Rubin,
Longreads,
8 July 2025
-
Their beating wings vibrate, inadvertently loosening pollen, which then falls onto the female part of the flower.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
-
Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
-
This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.—
Essence,
Essence,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share