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
And Leo’s embrace of Francis’ progressive views, including his embrace of immigrants, will surely agitate the conservative American Catholics who rebelled against Francis.
—
Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
They are also advised to speak calm and quietly and avoid sudden movements to not agitate or provoke a dog, Lacy said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Idalski methodically scans patches of the river with a backpack electrofisher, using an electrical current to agitate lamprey larvae and draw them out of the riverbed.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
They are also advised to speak calm and quietly and avoid sudden movements to not agitate or provoke a dog, Lacy said.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Idalski methodically scans patches of the river with a backpack electrofisher, using an electrical current to agitate lamprey larvae and draw them out of the riverbed.
—Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Cook stirring frequently until walnuts are coated, about 5 to 6 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Vic and Cali hadn’t wanted a wedding, but this had disturbed Vic’s parents.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Two players take on the roles of a brother and sister who are searching for their missing buddies on an island inhabited by some rather disturbing monsters.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On back-to-back pass plays, though, Ward held the ball too long and couldn’t shake the Broncos’ pass rush, resulting in back-to-back sacks that took the Titans outside field goal range.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
After a while, the lady shook her head.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The gathering, billed as a briefing rather than a fullblown hearing, included a slate of experts in science, defense and technology who discussed with members of Congress how understanding the unexplained phenomena could lead to scientific breakthroughs and enhance national security.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Still, Highmark would not discuss L’s case in any detail, citing patient privacy.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The women were too busy cooking, crafting, and caring for the family to bother with the stone tools used by men in hunting and building.—
Sarah Durn,
Popular Science,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Why ban books, Postman asked, if no one bothers to read them?—
Time,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Microneedling is a treatment that uses thin, vibrating needles to puncture your skin.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
9 Sep. 2025
-
As internal organs make sounds, the diaphragm begins to vibrate.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Even the assassination of political figures is not the same thing as just being shot in the throat for the crime of debating issues in the public square.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
13 Sep. 2025
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As the Fed debates its next move, remember that Warren Buffett isn’t trying to guess tomorrow’s stock chart.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But one way to distract and soothe your temperamental toddler might be through music.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
12 Sep. 2025
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Molina, who is fascinated by silver screen legend Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), distracts himself and Valentín with a recounting of his favorite film of hers — The Kiss of the Spider Woman.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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