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
Moderate and battleground-district Republicans are pushing back on threats to Medicaid, while conservatives and budget hawks are agitating for deeper cuts.
—
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 5 May 2025
After accruing a stake of about 1% in WBD, hedge fund Sessa Capital has been agitating for the company to restructure.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Pressure side pool cleaners take things a step further than suction side models by incorporating a jet stream of water that agitates debris for more effective cleaning.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Rank-and-file Democrats are mad at their own leaders and increasingly agitating to replace them.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 5 May 2025
After accruing a stake of about 1% in WBD, hedge fund Sessa Capital has been agitating for the company to restructure.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Pressure side pool cleaners take things a step further than suction side models by incorporating a jet stream of water that agitates debris for more effective cleaning.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Rank-and-file Democrats are mad at their own leaders and increasingly agitating to replace them.
—Jonathan J. Cooper, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Since returning to the White House for his second term, the president has vowed to replicate the impact of his original travel bans, which stirred several legal battles with courts that blocked the mandate.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
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However, Trump's trade stance has stirred unease among state leaders who are banking on foreign investment.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Create Do-Not-Disturb Prompts To Discourage Interruptions Experiment with reducing your availability to interruptions by following specific practices that signal to others you shouldn’t be disturbed.—
Caroline Ceniza-Levine,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Perhaps your time off request isn’t approved, or your vacation plans have been disturbed by your colleagues.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
Verb
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In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (R) after a signing ceremony following their bilateral talks at Kumsusan state residence in Pyongyang, on June 19, 2024.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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For me, a perfect beach bag starts with a lightweight, oversized tote that’s easy to shake the sand out of—preferably a mesh or water-resistant style.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
28 May 2025
Verb
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But the truth is, many of the most essential life planning tools—like a will, trust or guardianship directive—are rarely discussed or offered at work.—
Cody Barbo,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Rather, Evans says, this viral moment is an opportunity to discuss what is acceptable and what isn't in a relationship.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Verb
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After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
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Users do have to purchase such gadgets, learn how to utilize them, and put them on their body, however, which are all steps that many folks simply won't bother taking.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
26 May 2025
Verb
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With an electropop base, an irresistible electric bass groove and enveloping harmonies, the song vibrates between what was and what will no longer be.—
Luisa Calle,
Billboard,
23 May 2025
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The soundtrack is a buffet of rapturous period jazz, some of it silky, some of it vibrating with skittery energy, much like Martial Solal’s score for Breathless itself.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
18 May 2025
Verb
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While the cause and eventual outcome can be debated, the immediate impact was felt with shares of Tesla falling 14% on Thursday.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The Senate passed the bill on a vote of 19 to 13, which happened more than 16 hours after the chamber was scheduled to debate it.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Growth must reinforce strategy, not distract from it.—
Ayo Adepoju,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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But when the pair get to a higher point in order to try to see where the Wolves are/where Tommy might be, Ellie is distracted by a nearby aquarium, which has a giant ferris wheel nearby.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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