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
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Unexpectedly the train cars agitate and the train screeches to a halt.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
As the familiar sound washed over her, Aisha’s confusion and agitation abated a little.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
With its ethnic and regional diversity, and with some groups openly agitating for separation, the risk of fragmentation is a distinct possibility.
—Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Unexpectedly the train cars agitate and the train screeches to a halt.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes pressure and agitation to accelerate natural decomposition, according to the Cremation Association of North America.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
As the familiar sound washed over her, Aisha’s confusion and agitation abated a little.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter starts to foam and turns brown, about 5 minutes.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
This stirring biopic dramatizes the steps taken by Emmett's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley (Danielle Deadwyler), to seek justice against the odds by bringing the tragedy to the national media, helping spur the Civil Rights Act of 1957.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Taking place during the Christmas season, the film centers on a group of sorority sisters who are tormented by persistent, disturbing phone calls.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
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Kids comb case files, contact local authorities, and even interview a victim, all of which expose each young detective to disturbing images, ideas, and theories.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This should have people across the country absolutely shook.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
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The officer in the black beanie appears to shake a pepper spray canister toward protesters.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Grunander denied that his daughter’s presence at the shooting motivated the decision to seek the death penalty for Robinson, adding that the topic did not come up when prosecutors discussed whether to seek the death penalty.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
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In emails from 2015 through 2018, Attia and Epstein often exchanged crude jokes and sometimes discussed health issues.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This fact is why the tax- and fee-hike frenzy of the past year won’t ebb any time soon.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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In an age when polarized politics have whipped extremists into a frenzy and disagreeing with someone’s views justifies physical assault among fringe elements, the assault on Omar is a new abysmal milestone of societal degradation.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This year, anxiety over the federal government and a wavering stock market is making people less secure in their finances, causing some tenants to move in with family or friends — leaving studio and one-bedroom apartments empty.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The nonprofit, formerly known as Sattvic Meals Foundation, aims to address hunger anxiety at community colleges.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Zamiri doesn’t really bother filming fans rushing Charli’s car or whatever—this has been the quintessential mock-pop-doc scene since A Hard Day’s Night but these days the fans rush you online.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
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Aquarius' biggest struggle in 2026 Don’t bother trying to control the outcome.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There was a low rumble that vibrated for a second or two, then faded away.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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Not for escapism, per se – Roseberry’s Schiaparelli show, one of his finest and weirdest to date, vibrated with implications about our world’s rigid definition of beauty, with horns, feathers and splashes of neon – but for indulgence.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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