AGITATE Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'agitate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse , rock , and shake . While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring. // an ocean agitated by storms

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convulse' instead of 'agitate'?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm. // spectators were convulsed with laughter

Q: Where would 'rock' be a reasonable alternative to 'agitate'?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval. // the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Q: When can 'shake' be used instead of 'agitate'?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose. // shake well before using

agitate

verb

ˈa-jə-ˌtāt

Definition of agitate next

as in to stir

to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word agitate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When is it sensible to use convulse instead of agitate?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

Where would rock be a reasonable alternative to agitate?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

When can shake be used instead of agitate?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

Examples 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 Keep The Water Moving Use a small device that sits inside the birdbath to agitate the water to prevent it from freezing, or choose a bubbler rock, which burbles water up and provides a place for birds to perch. —

Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 However, he and his colleagues are immediately agitated by the arrival of Dr. Blake (Harriet Sansom Harris), who has been sent to evaluate mental health across the department. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Nov. 2024 These moves carry a significant political cost for Petro, agitating those focused on short-term economic outcomes and discouraging foreign investment everywhere in Colombia. —

Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Carro, Leverkusen’s chief executive, was speaking at a fan event at the beginning of August and had clearly been agitated by Bayern’s long-term (but so far unsuccessful) interest in their Germany international defender Jonathan Tah. —

Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for agitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate

Verb

Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, 5 to 6 minutes.

Liz Mervosh, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024
Nolan has already stirred excitement for his upcoming film by casting major stars like Matt Damon and Tom Holland.

Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024