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
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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
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Marchand built his reputation as an agitating, scrappy forward who knows how to get under the opponent’s skin while also producing on the scoresheet and was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding Patrice Bergeron for the role.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
Sook and other local TV execs have been agitating for the FCC to eliminate the cap, though such a move is likely to require Congressional action.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Marchand built his reputation as an agitating, scrappy forward who knows how to get under the opponent’s skin while also producing on the scoresheet and was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding Patrice Bergeron for the role.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
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Rather than offering peace of mind from pest invasion, the chemical control process often leaves families feeling uneasy about what has been introduced so indiscriminately into their environment.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Cuomo led early polls, buoyed by name recognition and a coalition of moderate Democrats uneasy with the party’s leftward drift.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Like something stirring within a stone, or the stone itself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The feature opens as Magda’s son returns from the front to this world without men, with his arrival stirring a growing unease among the group.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
If something’s bothering you, say so.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Saft, not bothering to remove his sneakers, leaped onto a chair to place an ornate gold mirror over the mantelpiece.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Just two weeks ago, Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi was shaking hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
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As the title suggests, this sprawling tale centers on Raja, a man in his sixties who lives with his mother in Beirut, a city shaking with political and ecological turmoil.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rich Little Brokegirls founder Kimberly Bizu sat down with creator and corporate strategist Jodie Taylor, discussing what women of color navigating corporate spaces and creative careers need to know.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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To uncover others, tribal governments and Indigenous influencers are actively discussing the potential benefits of AI in their communities — as well as the potential risks.—
Matt Alderton,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
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This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Omar Jimenez,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The move enraged both civilians and public officials throughout the country, with questions swirling about Stokes’ qualifications.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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With Mendoza’s stock climbing and the Jets still searching for answers at quarterback, speculation is already swirling about what this move could mean.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Democratic crackup that’s now underway in Washington is distracting the party from a series of brutal fights just ahead that will culminate in next year’s midterms.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Even without mixing and matching, simple gold hoops can offer a sleek and classy look that feels elevated and sophisticated enough for wearing to the office, celebrating milestones, and attending events without being distracting.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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