1
2
as in disturbs
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitates
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
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
-
But, in bypassing parliament, the move stirs questions about regulatory certainty for investors at a time when Nigeria is pushing to ramp up interest in its rebounding oil and gas sector.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The full range of emotions that your subject matter stirs in you isn’t necessarily relevant to your audience.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
What really disturbs professionals is the FDA’s injection of inconsistency into its reviews of drug applications.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
By cross-pollinating different groups of thinkers, Seth disturbs the pattern-completion machinery of each mind, clearing the ground for alternative insights to land.—
Rachel Barr,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Wood shakes offer natural beauty but are less fire—and moisture-resistant, so they are prohibited in certain regions.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Everyone shakes hands when a match ends and then retires to the bar, where the winners are supposed to buy the losers a beer.—
Dave Altimari,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Beyond her physical transformation, Sarah also discusses her strategy for red carpet dressing, telling the story behind her Chanel feather dress and pants at the show’s premiere.—
Chelsea Daniel,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
-
This story discusses events that might be disturbing to some readers.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One thing that bothers him, though, is the calls from GVA asking for cash to shore up financing on the underwater properties as loan rates skyrocketed and monthly debt servicing led to losses.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Most people are able to put the splint away once their plantar fasciitis no longer bothers them.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
My music vibrates strings in there that never moved before.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
My car vibrates at 50 miles per hour and higher.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As of Tuesday, city staff confirmed both hotels have active liquor licenses and are able to serve alcohol as the council debates the renewal.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The trio also debates the long-term viability of MLS’ media rights, and the economic opportunity if the league were to dedicate more resources to selling players.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Choose roof shingles that complement your home's architecture and exterior color palette, treating the roof as a subtle backdrop that enhances rather than distracts.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Boardwalk trails zig to a marsh overlook, zagging back to a museum that pleasantly distracts the kids.—
Outside,
Outside,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitates. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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