1
as in excited
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
all ferry crossings were cancelled because of the agitated waters around the islands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distraught
feeling overwhelming fear or worry
by the time they finally showed up, long after midnight, we'd become so agitated that we never did get to sleep that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in alarmed
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 shook
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 discussed
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
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 agitated
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Over time, Fineman noticed that Peach was growing more lethargic, agitated, and itchy, which interrupted the peace of his beloved routine.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Landlord was withdrawn, agitated about Israel-Hamas war before boy’s slaying, ex-wife testifies
In the week leading up to 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi’s death, his landlord became withdrawn and agitated over the little boy and his mother renting rooms from him, the man’s ex-wife testified Wednesday.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Robotic pets provide comfort for people with mid- to late-stage dementia, who can become angry, agitated, and even violent.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Adjective
Collins was also agitated that Martinelli was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in part because the coaches’ choices were required before the final games were played this past weekend.
—Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Over time, Fineman noticed that Peach was growing more lethargic, agitated, and itchy, which interrupted the peace of his beloved routine.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Landlord was withdrawn, agitated about Israel-Hamas war before boy’s slaying, ex-wife testifies
In the week leading up to 6-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi’s death, his landlord became withdrawn and agitated over the little boy and his mother renting rooms from him, the man’s ex-wife testified Wednesday.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Robotic pets provide comfort for people with mid- to late-stage dementia, who can become angry, agitated, and even violent.
—Tom Chiodo, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitated
Adjective
-
Julianne being available and excited, wanting to come and play in the sandbox; James, similarly.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
So, when the opportunity to visit Tanzania arose, I was intrigued and excited to embark on this journey.—
Ronny Maye,
Essence,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Cleaning up the crash delayed the start by 15 minutes as a distraught Hadjar made his way back to the pits to watch the race unfold without him.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Alongside co-writing and producing, Graham also stars, the British TV icon giving yet another in a long line of towering performances, this time as the son’s distraught father trying to grapple with the how’s, what’s and why’s.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
This move has stirred controversy and concern amongst community leaders in New Orleans, a city with a historically high homicide rate.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Jan. 2025
-
The presence of these encampments stirred a debate about free speech — and what universities should and should not permit on campuses — that continued in our section well after students went home for the summer.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Richard Arnold, the chief executive whose departure had already been announced, went round the room and shook everyone’s hand, expressing his belief the future at United would be bright.—
Adam Crafton,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The camera then cut to Johansson, who shook her head while grimacing.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Yes, Rupert Murdoch lost an epic courtroom battle with his kids over his media empire (during which actual Succession plot lines were discussed), but the Fox News mogul also suffered a rare defeat in TV news.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Victories like the one over Manchester City – a performance discussed at length in this previous column – have been all too rare, with the team picking up too many draws and too many injuries.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Earlier this year, the UK government backed plans to expand Heathrow Airport by building a third runway after years of heated debate.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Spending time in heated environments, like a sauna, can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and can help improve sleep, research has shown.—
Angelica Stabile,
Fox News,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The analysts are worried about the software provider’s earnings in an environment where the federal budget is being cut.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Former Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore is increasingly worried about the ongoing plunge in consumer confidence.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Plants with vining stems or long tap roots can be difficult to transplant and other plants simply don’t like to have their roots disturbed after planting.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Jan. 2025
-
The relationship quickly unearthed something that disturbed him.—
Joshua Kaplan,
ProPublica,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitated. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share