AGITATES Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

agitates

verb

present tense third-person singular of agitate

as in stirs

to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in disturbs

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy there's no need to agitate the patient about little things

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shakes

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

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as in discusses

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

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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 agitates The machine dryer agitates the clothing and prevents fibers from stiffening during drying, which is why clothing comes out feeling soft. —

Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 23 Feb. 2026 This agitates me and my lead foot. —

Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Jan. 2026 As the sun agitates the moon, both options appeal. —

Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026 To admit what hurts, agitates, and offends us in fact illuminates what is complicated and good in us. —

Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025 Stacey Rusch, however, is a conflict that Gizelle is still very much negotiating in the present day, and the Detroit Diva’s aloof and irreverent nature agitates all of Gizelle’s worst traits. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025 The explainer agitates the problem and leads to your solution. —

Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 There’s even a room equipped with soft surfaces for when clients inadvertently take a drug that agitates them. —

Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitates

Verb

In a cave that sheltered freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad, their uncle shares a story of a creature that stirs at night.

— William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Where the pre-retroshade plants seeds and the retrograde stirs them up, the post-retroshade is where clarity arrives and choices get made.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026