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
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
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
Verb
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
-
Chalk the moves up to uneasy investors.—
Brandon Kochkodin,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Kelly and King shake things up around the half-hour mark by venturing into the real world, where Grace (Cristin Milioti), the mother of two boys unusually far apart in age, starts being overcome by uneasy feelings about a cold dark void.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bring to a gentle simmer; cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed, until flavors meld, 10–15 minutes.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Is a man bothering you at a bar?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Virtually all the players, and often their caddies, make a point of coming over and shaking hands with the servicemen.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The Fire Dogs and Law Hogs were united as one before kickoff, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Goldis, the author of a Substack blog primarily discussing legal issues related to gender ideology, previously wrote under a pseudonym.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Ahead of Rotterdam, Janković talked to THR, via Zoom, about Home, the importance of discussing migration and sacrifice, getting her friends Trine Dyrholm and Claes Bang to join the film, and what’s next for her.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of those revelations are deeply disturbing.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
1 Feb. 2026
-
These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Cook, swirling skillet occasionally and reducing heat if browning too quickly or if oil is smoking, until deep golden brown underneath, about 5 minutes.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
As the Chiefs’ offseason got off to an earlier-than-normal start, Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending ACL injury and the uncertainty swirling around Travis Kelce’s future are being closely watched in Kansas City.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This can also lead to exhaustion and burnout with depleted energy, distracting you from your goals.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
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Men are likelier to hover over players during a game, which can be distracting and intimidating, players said.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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