as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
no more agitating waits to find out sports scores—get them instantly online!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in bothering
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 shaking
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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4
as in discussing
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 agitating
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025
Washing machines take care of that with their tumbling or agitating action.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025
Among those agitating for Davie’s head was Boris Johnson, the former British PM who ultimately signed off on Gibb’s appointment to the BBC board.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Marchand built his reputation as an agitating, scrappy forward who knows how to get under the opponent’s skin while also producing on the scoresheet and was named captain ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding Patrice Bergeron for the role.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
What is the best way to investigate a spirit without agitating it?
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025
Kiefer Sherwood Sherwood will open the season agitating the opposition on the forecheck and threatening as an against-the-grain attacking option in the bottom six.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, those on the right are agitating to declare left wing activists as terrorists.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
But some hard-line conservatives, nervous about the prospect of being jammed with a massive, end-of-year omnibus and hoping to avoid negotiating with Democrats on spending increases, have been agitating for another full-year continuing resolution (CR).
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Lululemon Athletica founder Chip Wilson has been agitating for change, and the outspoken critic now has activist investor Elliott Investment Management weighing in on a potential chief executive officer candidate.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitating
Adjective
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Neighbors fear rising violence Residents said the shooting has left them uneasy.—
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But by evening, an uneasy calm had settled across the city.—
Verb
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Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
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Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.—
Verb
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Ibrahim keeps bothering me endlessly, touching my leg and thigh.—
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Ask her if anything is bothering her.—
Verb
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Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
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While Bryant was able to come from behind, the Lady Hornets had a hard time shaking off the Lady Warriors.—
Verb
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The audio, obtained by TMZ, includes Moore's wife Kelli discussing Moore's condition with police operators after Moore was fired from his position in December.—
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Hunt was just as optimistic as his coach when discussing the prospects of playing his first game since September, too.—
Adjective
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Despite already having declared her candidacy, McKnight voiced disturbing and violent threats against Sheehy.—
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This story contains a description of a shooting some readers may find disturbing.—
Verb
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The clouds have been swirling around Andrews for much of the season.—
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Here, sea level rise is accelerating at some of the most extreme rates on Earth, while hurricanes increasingly are swirling ashore with an unprecedented ferociousness.—
Verb
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Writing essays, in the same way, lubricates my writing of fiction and vice versa—by distracting me and taking my thoughts elsewhere.—
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The glare from the sun had been reflecting in the lenses and distracting Smith.—
Cite this Entry
“Agitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitating. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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