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

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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
If the leaves are especially dirty, soak in cold water, gently agitating them to loosen dirt and grit. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 Strand Larsen has been keen on the possibility of the move but is not agitating to leave Wolves. David Ornstein, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 The moon’s agitating clash with Chiron intensifies anxiety. Usa Today, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2025 Peter died in 2019, but Jane is still acting and agitating, starring on Netflix's Grace and Frankie for seven seasons, as well in the Book Club films (2018, 2023) and 80 for Brady (2023). James Mercadante, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 And avoid agitating material — rubbing can create pilling. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025 But his margin over more agitating players like Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames is relatively small. Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 He's been agitating for a trade, explicitly behind the scenes and not-so-covertly in public, in the intervening months. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 He was involved in a lot of offense, while also being highly physical and agitating the Swiss team throughout the game. Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
  • Handing spending power to a piece of software makes people uneasy.
    Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • An uneasy calm, after two nights of chaos that saw tens of thousands of people pour out into the streets to vent their fury, setting fire to parliament and the Supreme Court – key symbols of state – and clashing with the government forces sent to keep them under control.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become slightly golden and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
    Faye Levy, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Keep it at room temperature for up to three days, stirring the mixture once per day.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lead with Gratitude and Grace Calling out someone for bothering you is always tricky.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That appeared to be a distraction at times to Anisimova, who motioned to her team in the stands that something was bothering her during ball tosses for serves.
    Howard Fendrich, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Practice rounds sometimes turn into showcases of raw talent, the kind that leave teammates shaking their heads at the sound off his club face.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Police alleged that the brain bleed was consistent with shaking an infant.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The two tech firms are discussing a sizable deal to support data center development in the country which could ultimately be worth billions of dollars, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC, confirming earlier reporting from the Financial Times.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In partnership with The Hollywood Roosevelt, the series will see Murgatroyd catch up with fellow reality television stars at the iconic hotel, discussing topics such as motherhood, entrepreneurship, career journeys and their favorite reality TV obsessions.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos.
    Annie Margaret, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An Atlantic Ocean devoid of swirling tropical waves is a welcome but unusual sight for mid-September.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Studs, leopard print, and DIY ornamentation sit alongside soft pastels, swirling graphic patterns, and a Nouveau color palette inspired by the Parisian Metropolitain signs.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This combination lends itself to transitions from focus to out of focus and background blur (bokeh) that's smooth and free of distracting elements.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In class, Danny continues to be disorderly, challenging Maria’s authority, throwing stuff when angry, completely distracting and even frightening the other students.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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