agitating 1 of 2

agitating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of agitate
1
as in stirring
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 agitating
Verb
That would be Saba Capital, a hedge fund that’s been agitating for change among CEFs for years. Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The 24-year-old Netherlands international, who has scored twice at this summer’s World Cup, is not agitating to leave, but West Ham are resigned to losing the talented attacker. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 June 2026 After that, the day shift starts agitating for a pizza party. Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 What Elliott did not know in 2024, Kapur says, is that his team had already begun working on the breakup the investor was agitating for. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 12 June 2026 Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 That was usually Andy agitating. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026 Fry, gently agitating fritters to ensure even browning until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean), 3 to 4 minutes. Emily Teel, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026 At this point, those agitating against the merger might see their most realistic option being to lobby for conditions on the merger, such as job-protection guarantees or production minimums. Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
  • The company and the government have since seemed to settle into an uneasy truce.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 2026
  • But some retirees remain uneasy about security concerns, healthcare quality, and property ownership structures.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Simmer beans, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and thickened, about 5 minutes.
    Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Travis was snapped having a blast bothering Jason as the duo attended a match between Jupiter Links GC and The Bay Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 3.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • For now, the Royals hope to figure out exactly what’s bothering him.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • An earth-shaking roar The World Cup finally arrived in Kansas City after several years of preparation and anticipation.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Such methods can be more convenient than consulting websites or discussing such issues with a friend, neighbor or faith leader.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The dour feeling that this book produces is the exact opposite of the invigorating excitement that Scorsese conveys when discussing movie magic.
    Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • And across the almost-year since, speculation has been swirling.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • The American great had just lost to France’s Harmony Tan in the first round of the grass court major and questions about her future were swirling around this leafy corner of London.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Driving into the estate down a dirt track, you’re met with concrete walls that frame the space with gallery-like precision, directing your eyes toward geological features rather than distracting from them.
    Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
  • There was some online angst over whether Swift was distracting from football — while the NFL itself capitalized on her fandom.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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