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
Dan Gooding
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Like most bees, the sting of the carpenter bee can be mildly painful, but only the females can sting and only when agitated or threatened.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
The animal’s agitated mother paced a few feet away.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
When officers arrived, Jones allegedly became more agitated and combative.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Adjective
The Defense secretary became agitated during the briefing, which was intended to clarify the intelligence the Pentagon had on the three nuclear facilities before and after the weekend operation.
—Dan Gooding
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Like most bees, the sting of the carpenter bee can be mildly painful, but only the females can sting and only when agitated or threatened.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
The animal’s agitated mother paced a few feet away.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
When officers arrived, Jones allegedly became more agitated and combative.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitated
Adjective
-
Our family couldn’t be more excited to welcome baby #3 soon!—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
26 July 2025
-
While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
But don’t be like those gullible commentators who are distraught over Gunn’s statement.—
Armond White,
National Review,
18 July 2025
-
Louis Thuillier was distraught by his inability to know the plight of his subjects; to view the photographs from the distance of a century can imbue the viewer with a similar melancholy.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
13 July 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 search results stirred hope.—
Lauren Peace,
Orlando Sentinel,
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
-
The officials discussed specific plans being drawn up to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen over the next two days, debating the pros and cons of carrying out the strikes.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The Secretary discussed Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, and efforts to help release the hostages and bring them home.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
There are heated debates about whether certain subject headings are warranted.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
-
With the deadline fast approaching, a key House committee eventually came to an agreement to placate its Republican members, at least for the time being, without angering Trump, who has asked his supporters to move on from the heated issue.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Many tourism leaders in gateway towns near them are worried tourists will start going elsewhere if the park experience or its environment gets eroded.—
Kirk Siegler,
NPR,
24 July 2025
-
Venus is turning up the heat in your intimacy sector, but Mars in your eleventh house is worried about optics, status or timing.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Even the guards appeared to be disturbed.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
These five destinations show that sharing the shore with animals can be calm, safe and memorable for the right reasons when animals aren’t fed or disturbed.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitated. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share