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
One activist investor, Third Point, had been agitating for Disney to spin off its ESPN sports television network, before ultimately conceding its value to the company.
—
Dawn Chmielewski, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Let the machine agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle by opening the lid and let the machine soak for 30 to 60 minutes before completing the cycle.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 Mar. 2026
This only agitated a country impacted as much as any by the insurance process in the lead-up to the tournament.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Already-skeptical House Republicans are agitating for House Speaker Mike Johnson to go to conference on the bill so the lower chamber can make its own changes.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Dawn Chmielewski, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Let the machine agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle by opening the lid and let the machine soak for 30 to 60 minutes before completing the cycle.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 Mar. 2026
This only agitated a country impacted as much as any by the insurance process in the lead-up to the tournament.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Already-skeptical House Republicans are agitating for House Speaker Mike Johnson to go to conference on the bill so the lower chamber can make its own changes.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Later, romantic Venus squares transformative Pluto, stirring friction about recognition and resources in groups.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
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The intuitive Moon stirs your 7th House of Companionship, squaring fortuitous Jupiter in your 4th House of Care, so promises and comfort could pull in opposite directions.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Leo moon disturbs unconscious patterns that are ready to be interrupted.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
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Bees are typically not aggressive but can become defensive if their hive is disturbed, especially during yard work or landscaping, city officials said.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When the clock finally ran out, Auriemma walked straight to the tunnel and didn’t shake hands.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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The UConn players and assistant coaches shook hands with the South Carolina coaches and players after the game but Auriemma walked off the court after the game.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On Monday, Canales also discussed his excitement in getting to work with new backup QB Kenny Pickett.—
Mike Kaye
April 1,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
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The two leaders discussed progress made during ongoing operations to eliminate Iran’s ability to attack other countries, Hawkins said in a statement.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The 6-foot-2 Strong — AP’s Player of the Year — was bothered by South Carolina’s interior size, with several of her inside shots rattling in and out.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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But he isn’t bothered by the fact that the cost has jumped by more than $1 a gallon over the past month or so.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Basically, how fast a sound source vibrates.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
25 Mar. 2026
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Other researchers soon realized that his formula, now known as the Veneziano amplitude, implied that hadrons aren’t particles, but vibrating strings.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.—
Saba Hamedy,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
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As lawmakers debate, business owners like him remain worried about getting served with lawsuit papers.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Sear/Sauté function gets quite hot even on its low setting, so some of my garlic got a shade too brown while I was distracted opening the can of tomato paste.—
Callie Sumlin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Apr. 2026
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Colorado State Patrol is reminding all drivers that distracted driving can lead to life or death consequences.—
Brian Sherrod,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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