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
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Recent Examples of agitate
And Leo’s embrace of Francis’ progressive views, including his embrace of immigrants, will surely agitate the conservative American Catholics who rebelled against Francis.
—
Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
They are also advised to speak calm and quietly and avoid sudden movements to not agitate or provoke a dog, Lacy said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Idalski methodically scans patches of the river with a backpack electrofisher, using an electrical current to agitate lamprey larvae and draw them out of the riverbed.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
They are also advised to speak calm and quietly and avoid sudden movements to not agitate or provoke a dog, Lacy said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Idalski methodically scans patches of the river with a backpack electrofisher, using an electrical current to agitate lamprey larvae and draw them out of the riverbed.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Among them were Julia Roberts and Sean Penn, who served as hosts for a special reception and screening of director Marianna Brennand’s stirring narrative feature Manas.—
Stacey Wilson Hunt,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Sep. 2025
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That rich color, the soft texture of the suède, stirred in me all the promise of autumn, of a new school year, of a chance to have instead of to want—in other words, to finally be.—
Rachel Kushner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There’s a certain freedom not having social media available from your app launcher, knowing you won’t get disturbed on this device, but are still able to sit back with a good book, some light jazz, and… not much else.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Unfollow accounts that regularly share disturbing images.—
Annie Margaret,
The Conversation,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kam Shanks could not shake Ole Miss' punt coverage team and Arkansas will start its first drive of the second half from the 9.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
-
As Emmy celebrations peppered the town on Saturday night, a starkly differently occasion left attendees shaken, tearful and reminded of the immersive power of cinema.—
Stacey Wilson Hunt,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For instance, Charles Kuck, an adjunct professor of law at Emory and immigration law firm partner, appeared on CGTN earlier this month to discuss the effect of deportations on the job market.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
-
China’s top leaders are scheduled to meet in October to discuss development goals for 2026 to 2030.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This takes two seconds, and she doesn’t get bothered at all.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
18 Sep. 2025
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Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Microneedling is a treatment that uses thin, vibrating needles to puncture your skin.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
-
As internal organs make sounds, the diaphragm begins to vibrate.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While the family debates on what is the most culturally appropriate mourning ritual, Russia begins its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, turning their lives upside down.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Every few months, after Kirk would return from his travels, the two would meet for a coffee, spending anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours debating.—
Shawn Raymundo,
AZCentral.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But Henry gets distracted by a massive prison explosion, allowing Jonah to plunge a hidden knife into his chest.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
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This might mean dropping a product line that’s profitable but distracts from your core business, or saying no to a good opportunity that isn’t aligned with your growth strategy.—
Minna Hu,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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