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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Trump’s statements agitate U.S. allies In Washington, there’s a strong bipartisan consensus that the U.S. must prevail in its economic and tech rivalry with China to maintain its global leadership.
—Ken Moritsugu, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
Bon Appétit, 9 Jan. 2025
Be aware that non-methylated B vitamins have the potential to cause these same side effects — which include anxiety, agitation, irritability, headaches, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, and achiness.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for agitate 
Verb
But his margin over more agitating players like Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames is relatively small.
—Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Trump’s statements agitate U.S. allies In Washington, there’s a strong bipartisan consensus that the U.S. must prevail in its economic and tech rivalry with China to maintain its global leadership.
—Ken Moritsugu, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
Well, to go back to lame culinary school lingo, because agitation promotes crystallization.
—Bon Appétit, 9 Jan. 2025
Be aware that non-methylated B vitamins have the potential to cause these same side effects — which include anxiety, agitation, irritability, headaches, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, and achiness.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.—
Kay Johnson,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
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More delicate drinks require stirring, like those with sparkling wine or simple liquor mixes.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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My earliest memories are these moments of intense observation, sitting in silence to not disturb their process.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2025
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This is this scene in ‘The Square,’ when a man jumps on the table to disturb others around him.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The coach reportedly failed to shake hands with the coaches of Denver Torah.—
Ryan Gaydos,
Fox News,
29 Jan. 2025
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After the jury left the courtroom, however, Madigan walked over to Collins and shook his hand, then broke into a smile and talked cheerfully with a group of supporters in the hallway.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Manatee County leaders plan to discuss the possibility of removing fluoride from the county’s drinking water Tuesday.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2025
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Watch Goldberg’s full message below: The View co-hosts also discussed the White House’s decision to open the press room to new media, including influencers, podcasters, and smaller news outlets.—
Gabriela Silva,
TVLine,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The announcement left the basketball world reeling, as the magnitude of the swap sent social media into a frenzy, with reactions ranging from disbelief to heated debate.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
2 Feb. 2025
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Both stocks in recent months finally eclipsed their prior frothy record high set in the frenzy of the 2021 rally in unprofitable tech.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Participating in rituals and routine has been shown to provide solace against anxiety and grief.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2025
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The students who had higher anxiety tended to be those who treated their pets more like friends or family.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Theresa’s nose has been bothering her and one of her children has asthma.—
Simmone Shah,
TIME,
26 Jan. 2025
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Ludvig Aberg, who shared the second-round lead with Griffin, was bothered by illness throughout the round.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Their study, published on January 22nd in the journal Nature, relies on the tones generated during large earthquakes that cause the Earth to vibrate like a giant bell.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
23 Jan. 2025
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On the menu are many hands-on treatments that leave guests in a heavenly state, as well as customizable Kerstin Florian facials, vibrating crystal energy therapies, and light frequency remedies.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near agitate
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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