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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of agitate
Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
As the questions went on, Porter became visibility agitated and went as far as trying to end the interview.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Two days later, the Chiefs put aside the agitation and put up their best offensive outing in two years (and four days) for a 37-20 win against the Ravens.
—Sam McDowell 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
What is the best way to investigate a spirit without agitating it?
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
As the questions went on, Porter became visibility agitated and went as far as trying to end the interview.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
When there was labor unrest, the coal town churches tended to side with the companies, advising miners against strikes or agitation.
—The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Two days later, the Chiefs put aside the agitation and put up their best offensive outing in two years (and four days) for a 37-20 win against the Ravens.
—Sam McDowell 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Cocchi Vermouth di Torino 3 dashes Angostura Bitters For this cocktail and the additional recipes below, add ingredients to mixing glass, stir on ice for 15 seconds (small ice) to 30 seconds (bigger ice).—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
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Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 15 minutes.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Conventional cleanup techniques often worsen the problem by disturbing soil structures and consuming large amounts of energy.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
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There is trash and pollutants from the tourists and gravel has been mined from the area to make trekking routes for people, disturbing the places where females may have laid their eggs, researchers said.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The earthquake shook at a depth of just 4 miles, with its epicenter roughly 9 miles west of Johannesburg.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
26 Oct. 2025
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Nearly two years later, there’s still evidence at the crime scene that shook this small island country — ash on jutting rocks, melted scraps of plastic and fabric scattered in the verdant shrubbery where wild dogs stalk giant lizards.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Despite the suspicions surrounding him, Drew became a fixture in the media, making television appearances to discuss Stacy’s disappearance.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including the NBA betting scandal.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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LaVine and Monk whipped the crowd into a frenzy, combining to make 17 of 32 from the field and 10 of 18 from 3-point range as the Kings bounced back from a season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
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Despite the latest meme stock frenzy, Beyond Meat has nonetheless still fallen 23% so far in 2025 after tumbling 58% in 2024.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That driving tension and anxiety are largely thanks to the team of artisans, which included composer Volker Bertelmann, editor Kirk Baxter and sound designer Paul Ottosson, who worked closely behind the scenes on their respective crafts to bring it together.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
25 Oct. 2025
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That sense of anxiety is present throughout the book, most vividly in a wide shot of a group of cheerleaders rehearsing in a gym.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Not the kind of thrift store that’s actually thrifty, but the kind of thrift store that doesn’t have any price tags because the people who can afford to shop there don’t need to bother themselves with price tags.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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Being a double Viking with Swedish and Norman blood on each side of my family, the cold never bothered me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a story that is sometimes outweighed by its tragic end, Selena y Los Dinos manages to radiate joy by showing Selena as a human being, vibrating with energy, determination, and an infectious sense of humor.—
Cat Cardenas,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
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These waves, called microwaves, cause particles in food to vibrate and absorb power.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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