as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
no more agitating waits to find out sports scores—get them instantly online!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in bothering
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 shaking
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 discussing
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 agitating
Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
The agitating action of a washer can cause the foam to break into pieces.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
The dollar rallied, even though Warsh has been agitating for more rate cuts, which tend to undermine the dollar’s value.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
This is why experts recommend vacuuming in different directions and thoroughly agitating the carpet piles.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
With its ethnic and regional diversity, and with some groups openly agitating for separation, the risk of fragmentation is a distinct possibility.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson has been agitating for change, and the outspoken critic now has activist investor Elliott Investment Management weighing in on a potential chief executive officer candidate.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025
Among those agitating for Davie’s head was Boris Johnson, the former British PM who ultimately signed off on Gibb’s appointment to the BBC board.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
Waddell wanted Marchment for his energetic, agitating style of play.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
The agitating action of a washer can cause the foam to break into pieces.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026
The dollar rallied, even though Warsh has been agitating for more rate cuts, which tend to undermine the dollar’s value.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
This is why experts recommend vacuuming in different directions and thoroughly agitating the carpet piles.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
With its ethnic and regional diversity, and with some groups openly agitating for separation, the risk of fragmentation is a distinct possibility.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson has been agitating for change, and the outspoken critic now has activist investor Elliott Investment Management weighing in on a potential chief executive officer candidate.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025
Among those agitating for Davie’s head was Boris Johnson, the former British PM who ultimately signed off on Gibb’s appointment to the BBC board.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
-
That has trading partners uneasy.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Now, marquee names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have gotten into the game, creating an uneasy juxtaposition as other players have bemoaned the effects of gambling and verbal assault from fans.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Manosphere influencers and politicians alike are exploiting young men’s vulnerability, stirring resentment against women.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil and chorizo in now-empty skillet over medium heat until chorizo is crispy, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
One Florida resident reportedly hired a local mover without bothering to determine if the company was licensed, only to run into a boatload of trouble.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
If your knee is bothering you, for instance, the vibration might distract your brain enough for the pain to temporarily retreat.—
Jennifer Heimlich,
Time,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After shaking off the flu, Arenas didn’t make his first bucket until almost midway through the second half.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Cameras showed audience members nodding along, shaking their shoulders and otherwise getting into the music.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The state’s Republican governor, Henry McMaster, and major GOP candidates to replace him have largely framed their responses to the measles outbreak around the concept of medical freedom, particularly when discussing vaccine mandates.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The culmination of these benefits and services has earned Smile Hair Clinic international healthcare accreditation and exposure in European press discussing medical tourism and aesthetic procedures in Turkey.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Nell Tiger Free stars as a young novice who works at a Catholic orphanage plagued by mysterious, disturbing circumstances.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In an initial statement Wednesday, Blalock said the video is disturbing and the parents and families of these students should be embarrassed.—
Allie Hennard,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Giancarlo Stanton didn’t have much to say Tuesday with reports swirling that Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, planned to abruptly announce his resignation.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In 1955, Universal arranged for closeted gay heartthrob Rock Hudson to be married off to his agent’s secretary amid swirling speculation about his sexuality.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Still, critics say the controversy risks distracting from preparations for the Games and eroding public confidence in the organizing committee.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Picture frame backsplashes are outdated and visually distracting, tied to early 2000s.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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