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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
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
The power of feral arousal that agitates this space between sacred and secular music was once a quiet inspiration for country's sounds.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
This is the fifth meeting in a row of steady rates as Powell continues to defy Donald Trump, who has been agitating for a rate cut and threatening on and off to fire Powell.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
The power of feral arousal that agitates this space between sacred and secular music was once a quiet inspiration for country's sounds.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
This is the fifth meeting in a row of steady rates as Powell continues to defy Donald Trump, who has been agitating for a rate cut and threatening on and off to fire Powell.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 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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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his high-level security cabinet on Thursday to discuss expanding the war against Hamas, including the potential full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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
Verb
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Ohio lawmakers debated everything from home grow restrictions to penalizing passengers who smoke in the car.—
Haley BeMiller,
The Enquirer,
17 Aug. 2025
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Then, ensuring they are heard, considered, debated, and brought into solutions.—
Nadia Edwards-Dashti,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Listen for the signs Notifications, newsfeeds and WhatsApp groups are distracting you from making a difference with your work.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Investigators believe Kernodle went up the stairs toward Mogen's room, which could've distracted Kohberger, Gilbertson said.—
Kayna Whitworth,
ABC News,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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