1
2
as in to disturb
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 to shake
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 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
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Since the first exoplanets were discovered in the 1990s, scientists have speculated whether close-orbiting planets could agitate their stars enough to trigger flares.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2025
Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
Symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, an abundance of saliva and aggressive behavior.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
For instance, Booker is now agitating for greater transparency regarding the Epstein case.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Since the first exoplanets were discovered in the 1990s, scientists have speculated whether close-orbiting planets could agitate their stars enough to trigger flares.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2025
Noun
This mechanical agitation of the surface in conjunction with the soap is what gets your skin clean.
—Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
Symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, an abundance of saliva and aggressive behavior.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Combine the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
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But when temptation stirs and hearts wander, the whole town gets caught up in a swirl of romance, mischief and melody.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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He was recently disturbed by a Reddit thread in which a user posted jargon-heavy chatbot messages that seemed eerily familiar.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
10 Aug. 2025
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This experience left him disturbed by how his presence affected others.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Han shook off criticisms of the small ring by also noting that both Belly and Jeremiah are college students on a budget.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Rinse the greens in the empty side of the sink, then put the greens in the colander, rinse again, shake off, and rinse again.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Detectives have reached out to several police agencies across the country to discuss various suspects and cases that have any similarities to the Fleming case, the release states.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
8 Aug. 2025
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Anna is constantly putting out fires, particularly when she gets called in to Harper’s high school to discuss her daughter’s fight with her British nemesis, Lily (Sophia Hammons).—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Both the New Heights podcast and Taylor Nation hinted at the announcement with cryptic social media posts on Monday morning, sending fans into an investigative frenzy.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
12 Aug. 2025
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The announcement, her 12th studio record and first since The Tortured Poets Department, was classic Swift, dramatic, meticulously timed, and guaranteed to send her global fan base into a buying frenzy.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, these discussions about college don’t have to include arguments or high anxiety.—
Robert Cole,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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By Linda Wells Skin in the Game Leather Bound Tanning is back, and Gen Z is ignoring the risks, turning to sunbathing and tanning beds to soothe anxiety and feel in control By Erin Flaherty Read On Dietary Restrictions?—
Jeanne Malle,
Air Mail,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If a body is here, whoever buried it didn’t bother digging deep, because there’s no fear of getting caught.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
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The article includes a fancy-looking formula central to the algorithm, but the formula is nearly impossible to decipher since the authors didn’t bother to explain half the symbols in it.—
Noah Giansiracusa,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The captain announces the trip, vibrating chairs simulate the real thing while the plane windows offer views of the departure city (San Francisco), the sky and the tarmac upon landing in Mexico City.—
Susan Stapleton,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
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As Martin Scorsese said when asked to describe them, Schnabel’s films are ‘abundant, overflowing and vibrating with life, pulse.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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