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
What is the best way to investigate a spirit without agitating it? Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Kiefer Sherwood Sherwood will open the season agitating the opposition on the forecheck and threatening as an against-the-grain attacking option in the bottom six. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, those on the right are agitating to declare left wing activists as terrorists. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025 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 But some hard-line conservatives, nervous about the prospect of being jammed with a massive, end-of-year omnibus and hoping to avoid negotiating with Democrats on spending increases, have been agitating for another full-year continuing resolution (CR). Aris Folley, The Hill, 3 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
  • With losses come uneasy fan bases, and with uneasy fan bases come edgy owners with itchy fingers, and with edgy owners and itchy fingers come coaches on hot seats.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • As their schemes spiral, father and son are forced into an uneasy alliance to save the family from total implosion.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add pasta, and cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions until tender.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Under the pretense of a back-to-school rules review, the sophomore through senior classes at Ruskin were treated to a stirring drumline performance before a shocked Sixta took the the stage.
    Ilana Arougheti Updated October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The dog recognizes that something is amiss, but isn’t capable of understanding what’s really bothering Todd.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The injury that will sideline Herro to begin this season is one that had been bothering him for a few months.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In doing movements that don’t feel like a workout in the traditional sense but still leave you shaking and sore the next day.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The child who was allegedly attacked on the bus could then be seen in the footage shaking her head multiple times before the video ended.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Matthew Pigatt, director of small business and membership services at the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, plans on discussing the effects of the new open carry legislation with business people at an upcoming meeting.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The Last Temptation of Christ Guadagnino goes back to the source material when discussing this Scorsese film citing the novel its based on in the same breath as Marty.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • White, who works as a bartender in Malibu, said the connection was especially disturbing, FOX 11 reported.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The allegations against this individual are disturbing and completely contrary to the values and mission of this department.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ironically, though, this comes as rumors of a possible feud between them have been swirling.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In the wake of an $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance, which closed in early August, rumors began swirling that Weiss was being courted to take over CBS News.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sets are decorated with vintage posters and props, enough to give texture without distracting.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The whole idea is to choose something that isn't too distracting.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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