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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitation
Bebe remains still and calm while submerged, observing his underwater surroundings without visible signs of agitation.
—
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Our research shows that older adults with dementia may be at especially high risk of delirium and agitation in ED hallways.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
Initial withdrawal symptoms include rising blood pressure, tachycardia, agitation and nausea/vomiting, gradually leading to severe hypertension, altered mental status, and possible cardiac or neurologic complications, per the alert.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Delicate cycles reduce the agitation on fabric, particularly with delicate wool and rayon pieces.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Our research shows that older adults with dementia may be at especially high risk of delirium and agitation in ED hallways.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
Initial withdrawal symptoms include rising blood pressure, tachycardia, agitation and nausea/vomiting, gradually leading to severe hypertension, altered mental status, and possible cardiac or neurologic complications, per the alert.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Delicate cycles reduce the agitation on fabric, particularly with delicate wool and rayon pieces.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitation
Noun
-
The flight cuts come after the Federal Aviation Administration brought the hammer down on the flying frenzy at Chicago’s largest airport last month.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The musical, brimming over with Broadway in-jokes and phallic humor, doesn’t build so much as whip itself into a frenzy.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The next, everyone is discussing climate anxiety among urban houseplants.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
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Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Hours after the terrifying rampage, a similar fatal incident took place at Koodalminikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda when an elephant that had shown signs of restlessness during a ritual procession the night before broke out of its enclosure and attacked its handlers, per News Karnataka.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
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The above breaks trends that began with Norris’ upset 2024 Miami Grand Prix win that broke the Invincible Verstappen rampage.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And though Fanny released their albums in a post-Stonewall environment, the band’s gay members felt pressured to remain in the closet for fear of losing their record deal or the support of their fans.—
Marissa Lorusso,
Pitchfork,
3 May 2026
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Lane harrowingly captures the paralyzing fear of being ordinary, while Metcalf will overwhelm you with the sheer emotion of her performance as Willy’s fiercely loyal wife, Linda.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Noun
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For one thing, when extremely evil people never seem to get their righteous and fiery comeuppance, my rage can curdle a bit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
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Hathaway’s Catwoman is one of her best takes on feminine rage, juggling a sense of righteousness and nihilism that might clang unconvincingly in the hands of a different performer.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
While there have been no reports of illness, authorities urge people to contact a health care provider for any concerns.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
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Andrew Nixon, a spokesman for the HHS, which oversees the FDA, said the studies were pulled over concerns about their conclusions.—
Padmanabhan Ananthan,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
At the macro scale of society, loss of control seems like a legitimate reason for worry.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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Their worry is that investors are treating this economic moment — physical supply disruptions, geopolitical fracturing, tariff whiplash — like the liquidity crises of the past, which were solvable with government cash.—
Rachel Keidan,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Meloni, weakened by a recent referendum defeat and facing public unease over the conflict, has insisted that any use of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary backing.—
Giada Zampano,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Brent was trading above $100 a barrel on Friday, while shipping and insurance markets continue signaling deep unease despite periodic ceasefire headlines.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitation. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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