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
Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson has been agitating for change, and the outspoken critic now has activist investor Elliott Investment Management weighing in on a potential chief executive officer candidate.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Moreover, his latest agitations come just as Lululemon’s third-quarter earnings results topped Wall Street’s expectations.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
Carol has missed Zosia’s company, even in those times when she’s agitated by her.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson has been agitating for change, and the outspoken critic now has activist investor Elliott Investment Management weighing in on a potential chief executive officer candidate.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Noun
Just a swirl of agitation and a push from the Bears coach for his team to move forward quickly by resetting its focus on the postseason.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Moreover, his latest agitations come just as Lululemon’s third-quarter earnings results topped Wall Street’s expectations.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
-
Add garlic and panko and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, 3-5 minutes.—
Laura Mclively,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Add Cajun seasoning, garlic, salt, and thyme; cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He was also disturbed by the 2016 murder of Labour parliamentarian Jo Cox by a far-right figure associated with neo-Nazi groups who had been radicalized online.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
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But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The crime was not the only one that shook the state over the weekend.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Isabel initially thought the sounds shaking her surroundings were thunder.—
Brian Bennett,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In response to questions from The Sacramento Bee, representatives from the governor’s office did not address any of the proposals lawmakers have been discussing.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Before the closed-door session on Wednesday, board members publicly discussed approving, funding, and conducting an investigation into Bulson and any other board member who was potentially involved in the April 2024 incident.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Travelers not seeking football frenzy should avoid the fall, when hotel and airfare prices skyrocket and crowds are large.—
Sarah Cahalan,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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January was set to host a free-agent frenzy, with most league veterans aligning their contracts to expire in advance of the new CBA.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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The news this week that an ICE agent had shot and killed a woman in Minnesota heightened his anxiety.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Take a seat on an icy throne—the cold never bothered you anyway.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
9 Jan. 2026
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Don’t bother wasting your money—using it more than once a day won’t yield ‘better’ or faster results.—
Ali Pantony,
Glamour,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From vibrating steering wheels, haptic smartwatches, and even gaming controllers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2026
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The vibrating bristles of this electric version can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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