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
1
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
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of 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
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Users then activate the agitation system in the Cuddy or throw some sawdust or alternative desiccant atop the feces in the Cuddy Lite to eliminate odor and dry the waste out for use as a composting material or for alternative disposal.
—New Atlas, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Verb
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
Noun
Politics continues to trump business at this year’s Cannes film festival, with little in the way of deals out of the Marché, but lots of activist agitation on the red carpet and beyond.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Users then activate the agitation system in the Cuddy or throw some sawdust or alternative desiccant atop the feces in the Cuddy Lite to eliminate odor and dry the waste out for use as a composting material or for alternative disposal.
—New Atlas, 15 May 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
Noun
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In Game 1 alone, Haliburton hit a game-tying shot at the end of regulation, sending the New York crowd into a stunned frenzy.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
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The retailer has faced challenges in holding up its in-person business, despite becoming a mainstay of the meme stock frenzy in 2021.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Giving into your kids to avoid your own feelings of stress and anxiety does more harm than good in the long run, says bestselling author and personal growth expert Mel Robbins.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
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More than 6 million have a parent with both a substance use disorder and significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or both.—
Ty Schepis,
The Conversation,
30 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
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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