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
What Elliott did not know in 2024, Kapur says, is that his team had already begun working on the breakup the investor was agitating for.
—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
That was usually Andy agitating.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
By the mid-20th century, an era of decolonization had taken hold, as colonies in Africa and around the world agitated for independence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
That was usually Andy agitating.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
By the mid-20th century, an era of decolonization had taken hold, as colonies in Africa and around the world agitated for independence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 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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These bees vibrate flowers to release the pollen, improving pollination and fruit set.
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Ongoing work in string theory — the idea that our universe, at its smallest, most fundamental level, is made up of vibrating strings — suggests a way these concepts might be connected.
Verb
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Sure, it can certainly be debated if Marathon being revived after all this time as an extraction shooter was the right call.
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As Florida lawmakers continue to debate healthcare affordability and patient protections, this is an issue that deserves urgent attention.
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 2 Jul. 2026.
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