AGITATIONS Synonyms: 280 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 1 of 2

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

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Relevance

as in to disturb

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy there's no need to agitate the patient about little things

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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

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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

agitation

2 of 2

noun

ˌa-jə-ˈtā-shən

as in frenzy

a state of wildly excited activity or emotion knew immediately, from the horses' agitation, that something terrible was happening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in anxiety

an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble experienced a great deal of agitation over whether she had an appropriate dress for her husband's inauguration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 agitate

Verb

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

Noun

Bebe remains still and calm while submerged, observing his underwater surroundings without visible signs of agitation. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026 Our research shows that older adults with dementia may be at especially high risk of delirium and agitation in ED hallways. —

Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate

Verb

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
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

Definition of stir

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agita

agitate

agitated

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“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of agitate

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