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
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1
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
His whole frame was agitated by a quick and continual tremor, which his pride strove to quell, even in those circumstances of overwhelming humiliation.
—
John Swansburg,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
Not Everything Should Go in the Dryer Electric dryers are a convenient and efficient way to dry clothes and household linens, but drying creates a lot of wear and tear due to exposure to high heat and agitation.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
After that, the day shift starts agitating for a pizza party.
—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
His whole frame was agitated by a quick and continual tremor, which his pride strove to quell, even in those circumstances of overwhelming humiliation.
—
John Swansburg,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Noun
These high-voltage colors can feel like visual noise, lending feelings of chaos and agitation in interiors.
—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
21 June 2026
Not Everything Should Go in the Dryer Electric dryers are a convenient and efficient way to dry clothes and household linens, but drying creates a lot of wear and tear due to exposure to high heat and agitation.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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On and on, these songs stir the soul.
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In fact, NBCUniversal is wading into the buzz round Polymarket, Kalshi and other prediction market services that have stirred controversy.
Verb
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He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
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The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
Verb
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Hernández said Rossi Ydrogo had just called his brother in Caracas 20 minutes before the earth started to shake.
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In Venezuela, rescue teams have been racing against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira last Wednesday.
Verb
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After discussing the situation with his partner, Cody has decided to remain with the team.
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Teng found a menopause specialist from Midi who discussed the risks and benefits of HRT, and recommended vitamins, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes.
Verb
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For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
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What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
Verb
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But the feeling of release as the bowstrings were left vibrating in my arms was palpable, intensely satisfying.
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These bees vibrate flowers to release the pollen, improving pollination and fruit set.
Verb
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Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
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The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.
Verb
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Efforts to organize and tidy often turned into sitting on the floor surrounded by piles of stuff and getting easily distracted with sentimental finds.
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But that was a bit ago, and there is a theory now that perhaps this is starting to leak, or maybe be confirmed soon, to distract from the recent, very poor performance of Supergirl in theaters.
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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