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
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
Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Severe symptoms start to appear within two weeks of initial onset and can include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
And Leo’s embrace of Francis’ progressive views, including his embrace of immigrants, will surely agitate the conservative American Catholics who rebelled against Francis.
—Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
As the moon agitates Venus, a promise is broken, or feelings are disregarded.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
Though still emerging, research indicates these devices may offer emotional benefits, reducing loneliness and agitation among hospice patients.
—Wes Kilgore, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Severe symptoms start to appear within two weeks of initial onset and can include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
-
As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Cook stirring frequently until walnuts are coated, about 5 to 6 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Vic and Cali hadn’t wanted a wedding, but this had disturbed Vic’s parents.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Two players take on the roles of a brother and sister who are searching for their missing buddies on an island inhabited by some rather disturbing monsters.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On back-to-back pass plays, though, Ward held the ball too long and couldn’t shake the Broncos’ pass rush, resulting in back-to-back sacks that took the Titans outside field goal range.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
After a while, the lady shook her head.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This model allows doctors to see fewer patients per day and spend more time discussing issues, lifestyles and treatment options beyond prescriptions.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The significance of this was that, according to reports in The Times, Soriot had privately discussed moving the primary listing of AZ, the biggest company in the FTSE-100, to New York.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Marvel fans went into a frenzy.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
-
An extension of the Black Hole, Raider Nation gathers at this spot and turns it into a football frenzy on Sundays, or whenever the Raiders suit up.—
Marcus Smith,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the council meeting for the resolution, several migrants and their families spoke in favor of its passage, expressing their anxieties in day-to-day life, according to The Chronicle.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The starting point is learning to cultivate present-moment awareness and simply noticing your anxiety.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The acting didn’t bother me, but the directing did.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If the odds of winning the lottery are so low, why do people bother playing?—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Resonance, which is to vibrate with, is the principle of all change.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
The imposing gothic details of Victor’s castle-laboratory—a portentous warrior-angel statue that comes to life, a screaming Medusa rondel carved in stone—vibrate with gloomy baroque majesty.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share