agitate 1 of 2

Definition of agitatenext
1
as in to stir
to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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as in to discuss
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

agitation

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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word agitate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When is it sensible to use convulse instead of agitate?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

Where would rock be a reasonable alternative to agitate?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

When can shake be used instead of agitate?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

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 agitate
Verb
What Elliott did not know in 2024, Kapur says, is that his team had already begun working on the breakup the investor was agitating for. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 12 June 2026 Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Noun
The washing machine uses less water, less agitation, higher spin speeds, and cooler temperatures to wash laundry in a shorter amount of time. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 June 2026 Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory. Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
  • Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • The show has become a routine spot on many celebrity press tours, regularly going viral and stirring the pot on social media.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The golf practice center would disturb an already fragile ecosystem with a high water table, the board wrote.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026
  • Gorsuch said the opinion was narrow and did not disturb other provisions of the law, which includes a ban on guns for drug addicts, ban on guns for people presently intoxicated and prohibition of firearms for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 June 2026
  • In a major rupture, strong shaking could cause severe damage near the fault and in areas built on soft or water-saturated soils, which can amplify shaking.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • In discussing the matter, Hahn also called for the county to look into establishing an emergency stockpile of air purifiers and other critical supplies to better prepare for future disasters.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Without discussing too much in detail, councilmembers raised several potential alternatives during the meeting, including parking garage subsidies, downtown employee waivers and a comprehensive citywide review of parking programs.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Oh, and more often than not, nobody bothers to check whether the change intervention actually worked, or whether leaders improve their performance after all!
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.
    Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Tap the flower base with a finger, pencil, or vibrating toothbrush for 3 consecutive days to dislodge pollen.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
  • Nevertheless, Bonnie’s doting parents hope that Lilypad will help Bonnie make friends, oblivious to how the gizmo — and soon, their daughter — vibrates with anxiety.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • For generations, those rules have been questioned and debated but rarely tested – until now.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The question of who will have the best record should be debated all summer.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • During the conversation, the individuals attempted to distract the woman by putting jewelry on her.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • These plants either repel slugs and snails or distract the pests from your garden crops.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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