agitating 1 of 2

agitating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of agitate
1
as in stirring
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

2
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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 agitating
Verb
At this point, those agitating against the merger might see their most realistic option being to lobby for conditions on the merger, such as job-protection guarantees or production minimums. Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 May 2026 For years, Mira has been agitating for more independence. Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 And Anderson is said to be behaving impeccably in not agitating for a move. David Ornstein, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026 Pour in egg mixture and immediately stir with a heatproof rubber spatula, incorporating ham and gently agitating eggs, and running it along edges until sides begin to bubble, about 30 seconds. Inés Anguiano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026 Barnes took on Jokic and fronted him aggressively, agitating him early in the game, but the three-time MVP managed to fight through it and limit his turnovers to two this time. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026 One activist investor, Third Point, had been agitating for Disney to spin off its ESPN sports television network, before ultimately conceding its value to the company. Dawn Chmielewski, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 Already-skeptical House Republicans are agitating for House Speaker Mike Johnson to go to conference on the bill so the lower chamber can make its own changes. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026 The agitating action of a washer can cause the foam to break into pieces. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
  • Yet at the height of his triumph, Brooks was uneasy.
    Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • After feeling uneasy about being famous for comedy at first, Faris now sees it as a privilege.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • In this early 19th-century rebirth of backcountry religion, traveling ministers preached a fiery gospel of grace, stirring large crowds with their open-air sermons.
    Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
  • Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
    Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Brunson turned on the boosters in the second half, attacking the Spurs' defense and showing little sign that his knee was bothering him.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • If certain smells or experiences are bothering you, here are some other tips for managing postpartum odor and sweat.
    Dory Zayas, Parents, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • People gathered near the site to get a front row seat to the ground-shaking event.
    Abigail Dollins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2026
  • Then, during one family movie night in November 2020, her husband noticed her arm was shaking.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The text messages in 2024 between Johnson and Duffey revealed that the two men used suggestive language while discussing women colleagues.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • Orange County leadership has already begun discussing how to respond to the rise in injuries, and I am encouraged by their willingness to engage this issue with seriousness and care.
    Myron Rolle, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • This approach to archival material thus wrestles with a disturbing present in which family dispossession is both normalized and pathologized in the media every single day.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The report, released Thursday, details disturbing accounts from several of Platner’s ex-girlfriends.
    Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Ready to direct and protect, both from the men and from the swirling chaos that might otherwise harm you.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • As investigators renew the hunt for Lynette, speculation is swirling over where Brian may be following the mystery around his wife's disappearance.
    Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The formal obligation to bow or curtsy will force targets to bend a knee and break eye contact—a perfect opening for the President to place something distracting like a Twix bar on their heads.
    Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
  • Reid plays this so well, but the direction is a little over the top, with drug-trip visuals that are too distracting to follow the dense-as-ever disjointed narration.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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