1
as in frenzy
a state of wildly excited activity or emotion
knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anxiety
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
experienced a great deal of agitation over whether she had an appropriate dress for her husband's inauguration
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitation
Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes pressure and agitation to accelerate natural decomposition, according to the Cremation Association of North America.
—
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
As the familiar sound washed over her, Aisha’s confusion and agitation abated a little.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Jennie is a 6-pound robotic Labrador puppy designed to mimic the movements of a real pet, and to help alleviate symptoms like loneliness and agitation in seniors.
—Rena Goldman, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Terminal agitation—a possible symptom of impending death, according to my doula handbook.
—Hazlitt, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
As the familiar sound washed over her, Aisha’s confusion and agitation abated a little.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Jennie is a 6-pound robotic Labrador puppy designed to mimic the movements of a real pet, and to help alleviate symptoms like loneliness and agitation in seniors.
—Rena Goldman, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Terminal agitation—a possible symptom of impending death, according to my doula handbook.
—Hazlitt, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitation
Noun
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This fact is why the tax- and fee-hike frenzy of the past year won’t ebb any time soon.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This year, anxiety over the federal government and a wavering stock market is making people less secure in their finances, causing some tenants to move in with family or friends — leaving studio and one-bedroom apartments empty.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The nonprofit, formerly known as Sattvic Meals Foundation, aims to address hunger anxiety at community colleges.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Michael Chesna and bystander Vera Adams in a July 2018 rampage.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
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Most notably was school resource deputy Scot Peterson, who waited outside as Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old former Stoneman Douglas student, went on a killing rampage in the freshman building.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His greatest fear is summer — when warm weather could bring even larger crowds if enforcement is still ongoing.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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Students without legal status couldn’t speak out without fear of deportation, and universities were rushing to determine how to implement the ruling.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Tall Shaft Boots Knee-high boots were all the rage back in 2016, and the stylish trend happens to still be well-suited for winter travel this year—depending on your selection, that is.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
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The demonstration was marked by intense emotion, with rage, frustration and grief reflected in signs and chants calling for accountability and change.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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Citi noted that market positioning continues to reflect supply concerns, with oil for near-term delivery trading at a premium to later months, and skewed call option pricing showing that traders are still paying up for protection against higher prices.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
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Keogh said that access is a security worry because people in the indictment include citizens of communist China, an American rival.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Adding to investor unease, even companies long seen as the prime beneficiaries of the AI boom are showing signs of fatigue.—
Brody Ford,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
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California Democrats in Congress have stressed that the state’s elections are safe and reliable, but also started to express unease about upcoming election interference by the administration.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitation. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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