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
1
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anxiety
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
experienced a great deal of agitation over whether she had an appropriate dress for her husband's inauguration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025
Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.
—PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
But stuffing a washing machine—no matter the setting—will prevent proper agitation and, therefore, less cleaning power.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
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
Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.
—PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Noun
His songs channeled the angst and agitation of youth into frenetic mini-anthems that musically reflected the on-shuffle mentality of the 21st century.
—Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
But stuffing a washing machine—no matter the setting—will prevent proper agitation and, therefore, less cleaning power.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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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
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And all of this came without any news from the company -- which has been struggling in recent years -- stirring action from investors.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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In 2005, an anonymous tipster sent the family disturbing images of a woman from an adult website based in the Caribbean.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
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Signs on the fence that surrounds the property warn of large fines for disturbing the site, which is the subject of investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cal-OSHA.—
Nathaniel Levine,
Sacbee.com,
19 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
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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
Noun
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The movie that started the Skywalker saga and arguably created Hollywood’s franchise frenzy is flying back into theaters.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
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It's been a little over a week since Sydney Sweeney's new ads for the American Eagle brand set the internet into a frenzy, and now the brand is speaking its piece.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Driving this new trend, brokers and builders agree, is a potent mix of global anxiety and cultural influence.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
29 July 2025
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Here are seven alternative activities to try that experts say can be just as effective: Research shows that expressive art therapy, like painting, may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve mood by engaging areas of the brain that promote calm.—
Noma Nazish,
Forbes.com,
29 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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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