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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
David Ornstein, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026
For the longest time, residents in the ruddy north of blue California have agitated for a breakaway state called Jefferson.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Our research shows that older adults with dementia may be at especially high risk of delirium and agitation in ED hallways.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
And Anderson is said to be behaving impeccably in not agitating for a move.
—David Ornstein, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026
For the longest time, residents in the ruddy north of blue California have agitated for a breakaway state called Jefferson.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
Bebe remains still and calm while submerged, observing his underwater surroundings without visible signs of agitation.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
Our research shows that older adults with dementia may be at especially high risk of delirium and agitation in ED hallways.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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From great shows and stirring concerts to delicious tea and awesome French dip sandwiches, this weekend is looking fun and tasty indeed.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
To prepare, combine leftover rice with cooked ground meat or beans, then stir in tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Remaining quiet and respectful increases the chances of observing bears in their natural habitat without disturbing them.—
Debbie Olsen,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
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Coherence unravels strange events and disturbing moments that are sure to thrill.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Abel made the rounds across the floor, stopping at each booth to greet employees and shake hands with shareholders.—
Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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Bake until lemon curd is set but still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, 18–24 minutes.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
Verb
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In it, the king is expected to discuss the United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States over the last 250 years and how the two nations have worked together to achievements in science, economics, innovation, international security and other fields.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Gulf leaders are scheduled to meet in Jeddah on Tuesday to discuss the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and Pakistan’s mediation efforts.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The flight cuts come after the Federal Aviation Administration brought the hammer down on the flying frenzy at Chicago’s largest airport last month.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The musical, brimming over with Broadway in-jokes and phallic humor, doesn’t build so much as whip itself into a frenzy.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The next, everyone is discussing climate anxiety among urban houseplants.—
Larry Clifton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
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Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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After a frustrating conversation with a hotel staffer about the air conditioning, a hot and bothered Fuller threw on a ball cap, turned it backward and recorded a rant on his cellphone.—
Tia Mitchell,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
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Nine months after Varland was traded, Twins fans are still bothered the hometown kid isn’t clicking for them instead, especially given recent results from Minnesota’s bullpen.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The science of acoustic fire suppression, which has long been known and documented in scientific literature and the press, works by vibrating oxygen molecules away from a fuel source, depriving the fire of a critical component needed for combustion.—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
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Managing the steering wheel’s controls on a vibrating car while wearing gloves, driving 150 miles per hour, holding off rival drivers, and listening to an engineer’s instructions on the radio requires intense concentration and focus.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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