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
Add crushed ice two-thirds or so full and agitate (either swizzle back and forth with a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, or else just stir) until the glass begins to frost.
—
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
No, the innies cannot get to civilization and attempt to agitate for their civil rights.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
The tech migration to Trump began before the election and helped get him to the White House, as entrepreneurs like Musk and David Sacks raised millions for him and used their platforms to agitate for his election and troll Harris.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2025
Repeat steps 3 through 5 anywhere from three to four more times until the water remains clean after submerging and agitating the pillowcase.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
No, the innies cannot get to civilization and attempt to agitate for their civil rights.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
The tech migration to Trump began before the election and helped get him to the White House, as entrepreneurs like Musk and David Sacks raised millions for him and used their platforms to agitate for his election and troll Harris.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2025
Repeat steps 3 through 5 anywhere from three to four more times until the water remains clean after submerging and agitating the pillowcase.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Prep Meatballs In a large bowl stir together pork, panko, 1 Tbsp.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Mar. 2025
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The advocates, including two lawyers and religious leaders, argued the arrangement would stir fear in immigrant communities.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Crimping is the process of severing a crop at the base and laying it over to create a decomposing thatch/mulch layer for the garden without disturbing the soil.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
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For example, museums could provide different audio guides to visitors without headphones, and libraries could allow students to study with audio lessons without disturbing others.—
Jiaxin Zhong,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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For some in the room, Paul’s rebellion reflected their deep unease over Trump’s protectionism, which has rattled stock markets, shaken consumer confidence, and strained America’s relationships with its allies.—
Eric Cortellessa,
TIME,
18 Mar. 2025
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No doubt, with the S&P 500 piercing correction territory (10% decline from the highs) on Thursday, traders aren’t shaking things off as well as Scott Bessent.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Acquiring a forward, a versatile midfielder, a full-back and a goalkeeper has also been discussed, with Newcastle open to reinforcing every area across the team.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
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With Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin set to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine, the fate of this city and its people hangs in the balance.—
Clarissa Ward,
CNN,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By the end of the day, my T-zone had turned a little bit oily, but honestly, not enough to bother me.—
Denise Primbet,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2025
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The First Amendment’s free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Praise God … my entire body is vibrating with joy right now.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
10 Mar. 2025
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The room looked like an airport lounge — gleaming white tables with copies of Foreign Policy, an inaudible conference livestream — and vibrated with the energy of journalists from around the world begging to get inside.—
Caitlin L. Chandler,
The Dial,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The principals often debate various courses of action and present it to the president for a final decision.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
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The measure, which also aims to increase child care availability and capacity, is now being debated in a state Senate committee.—
Neha Mukherjee,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That means having a high-quality microphone and video camera so others aren’t distracted by your technology. 8.—
Joseph Liu,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
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Investors looking to distract themselves with a drink might, in fact, feel even more pain.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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