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
The legislation released on Sunday tries to split the difference between Republicans agitating for deep cuts to Medicaid and those eager to protect their states from changes that could force them to shoulder much higher costs.
—
Margot Sanger-Katz, New York Times, 12 May 2025
As soon as Musk and Trump began bashing one another in earnest on Thursday, the GOP base immediately started agitating in three big directions.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 June 2025
The kid is flunking out of private school, has spearheaded a dozen or more extracurricular clubs, agitates to have Latin added to the curriculum, and directs a remarkably detailed stage production of Serpico.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Dragon boat racing was said to begin after villagers agitated the water and paddled to try to save him or prevent his body from being eaten by fish, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Margot Sanger-Katz, New York Times, 12 May 2025
As soon as Musk and Trump began bashing one another in earnest on Thursday, the GOP base immediately started agitating in three big directions.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 6 June 2025
The kid is flunking out of private school, has spearheaded a dozen or more extracurricular clubs, agitates to have Latin added to the curriculum, and directs a remarkably detailed stage production of Serpico.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Dragon boat racing was said to begin after villagers agitated the water and paddled to try to save him or prevent his body from being eaten by fish, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Just the idea of a super-fight between generations has already stirred the pot.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
Roast, stirring twice, until corn is browned, about 20 minutes.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
Verb
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However, infrared videography can help record what’s going on on the beach without disturbing the turtles or crabs.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
10 July 2025
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The first beaver to be released in this project was trapped at Arlington Wildlife Area along the Gila River after causing land management issues, like clogging pipes and disturbing irrigation infrastructure.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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But the humble protein powerhouse has never seemed to be able to shake the bad reputation.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
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The earth begins to shake as the animals, each one a small tank of muscle, thunder along the route at speeds of up to 20 miles an hour, scattering runners.—
Tony Perrottet,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Verb
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In a survey of 404 regular users of AI companionship apps, researchers at MIT Media Lab found that 12 percent of respondents initially sought out these systems to cope with loneliness, and 14 percent used them to discuss personal or mental-health issues.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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There were hundreds of paintings in the show, but this was one of only maybe five that were discussed in the newspapers.—
Karin Wulf,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
Verb
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There’s something delicious about sipping lemonade after a dip in the pool, looking down from the balcony at the day-trippers all hot and bothered below.—
Richard Godwin,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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That really bothers me more than anything else; that bothers me more than even being excluded.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The controls are great, with flipper buttons, a plunger, and nudge buttons that include a vibrating rumble.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
26 June 2025
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Being able to connect with it… something vibrated within me.—
Ayan Artan,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
Verb
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While the spending blueprint has been hotly debated because of its effects on household pocketbooks at various income levels, its impact on the overall economy is also a point of contention.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
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Senate leaders from both parties continue to debate possible amendments and the broader implications for U.S. spending and free expression.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The president’s critics, meanwhile, accuse him of using the scandal to distract from stalled reforms and growing public dissatisfaction.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
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While the housing bill got lost among numerous priorities during this year’s legislative session, top leaders are now laser-focused on the issue and will not be distracted.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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