1
as in excited
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
all ferry crossings were cancelled because of the agitated waters around the islands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distraught
feeling overwhelming fear or worry
by the time they finally showed up, long after midnight, we'd become so agitated that we never did get to sleep that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in alarmed
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 shook
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 discussed
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of agitated
Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Pedestrians scoot past agitated mutterers or calculate their chances of survival before stepping into a crosswalk.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Female carpenter bees won’t sting unless they’re confined in your hand or become highly agitated.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025
But his soldiers attacked an agitated crowd that opposed Pilate’s use of Temple money to build an aqueduct.
—Nathanael Andrade, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Adjective
Phill Lewis portrays the uptight, frequently agitated hotel manager Mr. Moseby, who’s also something of a surrogate father to Zack, Cody, Maddie, and London especially.
—Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Pedestrians scoot past agitated mutterers or calculate their chances of survival before stepping into a crosswalk.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025
Female carpenter bees won’t sting unless they’re confined in your hand or become highly agitated.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025
But his soldiers attacked an agitated crowd that opposed Pilate’s use of Temple money to build an aqueduct.
—Nathanael Andrade, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitated
Adjective
-
His new kick-change has been a nice weapon against lefties and Taillon is excited about the pitch.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Kolache fans headed to Florida's Gulf Coast shouldn't get too excited yet, though.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
She wasn’t moved to tears by Lainey Wilson’s headlining performance, nor was the singer-songwriter from rural San Luis Obispo, California, distraught over any kind of personal trauma triggered by Wilson’s lyrics (country songs are known for having this kind of effect, after all).—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Carter’s widow, Lillian Carter, was too distraught to read her own statement.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This move has stirred controversy and concern amongst community leaders in New Orleans, a city with a historically high homicide rate.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Jan. 2025
-
The presence of these encampments stirred a debate about free speech — and what universities should and should not permit on campuses — that continued in our section well after students went home for the summer.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Richard Arnold, the chief executive whose departure had already been announced, went round the room and shook everyone’s hand, expressing his belief the future at United would be bright.—
Adam Crafton,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The camera then cut to Johansson, who shook her head while grimacing.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The officials discussed specific plans being drawn up to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen over the next two days, debating the pros and cons of carrying out the strikes.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Secretary discussed Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, and efforts to help release the hostages and bring them home.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Games sometimes get competitive and heated, so a flimsy table is likely to break down or collapse.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Despite the heated back-and-forth, the trial date for the divorce proceedings is set for June.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Others are worried about the fate of the Smithsonian more broadly.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
At Chang Jiang, Wu had a warning for customers who are worried about their favorite products going away or getting more expensive.—
Allison Cho,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Even the guards appeared to be disturbed.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
These five destinations show that sharing the shore with animals can be calm, safe and memorable for the right reasons when animals aren’t fed or disturbed.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitated. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share