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 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
For the longest time, residents in the ruddy north of blue California have agitated for a breakaway state called Jefferson.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Litles detailed in the complaint and in an interview with the Tribune how their frisky escapades, appearance and young children seemed to increasingly agitate residents and staff.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
That is propaganda, not just pushed by the groups who agitated for this specific war but also sewn by the massive war machine in DC that’s spent decades inflating threats to justify its continued existence.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
For the longest time, residents in the ruddy north of blue California have agitated for a breakaway state called Jefferson.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
The Litles detailed in the complaint and in an interview with the Tribune how their frisky escapades, appearance and young children seemed to increasingly agitate residents and staff.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
That is propaganda, not just pushed by the groups who agitated for this specific war but also sewn by the massive war machine in DC that’s spent decades inflating threats to justify its continued existence.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 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
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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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Ty Segall exemplifies the modern indie rock experimentalist, constantly trying out new styles and attitudes and usually landing on some intense neopsychedelic sounds that can both comfort and disturb.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
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The worms thrash and move erratically with a snake-like motion that disturbs the topsoil.—
Maria Braganini,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 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
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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Electrons vibrating in some container.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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The pilot of a helicopter that crashed on a sightseeing flight off the Hawaiian island of Kauai last month, killing three passengers, told investigators that the aircraft vibrated and spun before plunging into the water, according to report released Friday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.—
Karin Brulliard,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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While city leaders debated how to restructure the system, LAHSA employees said the uncertainty is already taking a toll.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Made in response to a difficult breakup, the work alludes to two lovers parting ways, but also to Pau’s memories of isolation as a severely asthmatic child in a notoriously polluted city, lying in bed staring at the wall and inventing stories to distract herself from the difficulty of breathing.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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His father, Brady Kiser, said he was momentarily distracted when the incident occurred and that Emilie was away at the time.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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