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
The situation seemed to darken as more law enforcement agents and officers moved into the area, agitating some protesters.
—
Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025
Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.
—PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Avoid doing anything to heat or agitate plastic, so quit putting plastic containers in the microwave and kiddie cups in the dishwasher.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025
The solution should not be sudsy, so gently incorporate the soap in the water without agitating it too much.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Sarah Dean, NBC news, 10 June 2025
Both robots have the same vacuum brush roll design, incorporating rubber fins and bristles to effectively agitate dirt on multiple flooring surfaces while keeping themselves clear of hair tangles.
—PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Avoid doing anything to heat or agitate plastic, so quit putting plastic containers in the microwave and kiddie cups in the dishwasher.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 7 July 2025
The solution should not be sudsy, so gently incorporate the soap in the water without agitating it too much.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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That Trump’s name appears in Epstein files the government has not yet publicized has stirred a variety of reactions among his supporters.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
24 July 2025
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The comment quickly stirred debate online—some viewed it as a swipe at Dr. Dre, while others interpreted it as Quik simply affirming his own stature as a production powerhouse whose contributions have long flown under the radar.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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In 2005, an anonymous tipster sent the family disturbing images of a woman from an adult website based in the Caribbean.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
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Signs on the fence that surrounds the property warn of large fines for disturbing the site, which is the subject of investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cal-OSHA.—
Nathaniel Levine,
Sacbee.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić shaking hands after signing bilateral documents during a meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, on May 8, 2024.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Nikki Bella and Lola Vice were shaking their hips in the middle of the ring, and Wade Barrett encouraged Michael Cole to show them what he’s got.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Subscribe On Tuesday, Nvidia also confirmed that Huang was in China and had met government and industry officials to discuss the benefits of AI and ways for researchers to advance safe and secure AI.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
15 July 2025
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In this interview, the co-founder of Kodiak Cakes and now founder of Kindling discusses his strategic approach to building a brand, disrupting categories, and the evolving landscape of health-conscious snacking.—
Dave Knox,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
This means that some people might not bother using them.—
Ben Coxworth
July 26,
New Atlas,
26 July 2025
-
But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Somewhere around hour two of not moving, my hamstrings began to vibrate like the low end of a baby grand.—
Peter Rubin,
Longreads,
8 July 2025
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Their beating wings vibrate, inadvertently loosening pollen, which then falls onto the female part of the flower.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
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In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
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Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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The legal fight threatens to distract from the group's goals in a state where Democrats already struggle to adequately field and fund candidates.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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