AGITATION Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

agitation

noun

ˌa-jə-ˈtā-shən

Definition of agitation

as in frenzy

a state of wildly excited activity or emotion knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 agitation Mehring was accused in different newspapers of promoting both pro-Jewish agitation and antisemitic hate speech. — Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 Bowyer acknowledged that Turning Point Action’s growing infrastructure in early primary states could cause some agitation on the right if it is seen as throwing its weight behind one candidate. — Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Bowyer acknowledged that Turning Point Action's growing infrastructure in early primary states could cause some agitation on the right if it is seen as throwing its weight behind one presidential candidate. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 The agitation of the team’s fanbase boiled to the surface this summer. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agitation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitation

Noun

But sports markets are the main drivers of the prediction frenzy.

— Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
The sports drink, launched in 2022 by two of YouTube’s biggest stars, manufactured a frenzy.

— Keren Novack, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of frenzy

Noun

And three, sometimes four, of those many waking hours are spent in the car — bouncing from home to school to her second or third job and home again — with music at full blast to drown out the babble of anxiety, most of it financial.

— Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
This can help decrease anxiety and increase confidence by removing the pressure of one ideal performance and shifting focus to the present moment.

— Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

The rampage-causing Godzilla is bigger than ever this time and heads to New York City for a global action epic.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
And, of course, there won’t be many people who want to defend someone in that position — or, indeed, listen to any hard-luck stories — now the details have been outlined in court about his motorway rampage.

— Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of rampage

Noun

Residents say Ethiopian federal forces retook Mekelle’s airport from Tigrayan fighters, but communications blackouts and fear of reprisals have left unclear who controls Tigray’s capital city.

— Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
The book offers creative ways to manage fear and negativity — like pretend-flushing your mistakes down the toilet — before, during and after a high-stakes task.

— Lennon Sherburne, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

Women primarily look for feel-good underwear, the no-bra movement is still kicking and shapewear has entered the lingerie space solidly, while undergarments as ready-to-wear and boudoir dressing were all the rage this season.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
The environment around Venus at the top of the month is pointed, confrontational, and probably a bit rage-inducing.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of rage

Noun

Thankfully, my worries turned out to be unfounded, because the talent show in this episode turns out to be her time to shine.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
The agency faces a $9-billion loss, a looming cash crunch and election-year worries over late mail ballots; Steiner urged voters to send ballots a week early.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of worry

Noun

When presented together and thought juxtapositionally, the works launch visitors onto an emotional pendulum that pivots from exhilaration to unease and distress.

— Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
The survey quantifies the sense of unease and frustration many customers of these new-wave insurers feel.

— Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of unease

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“Agitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitation. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of agitation

noun

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