AGITATE Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'agitate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse , rock , and shake . While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring. // an ocean agitated by storms

Q: When is it sensible to use 'convulse' instead of 'agitate'?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm. // spectators were convulsed with laughter

Q: Where would 'rock' be a reasonable alternative to 'agitate'?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval. // the whole city was rocked by the explosion

Q: When can 'shake' be used instead of 'agitate'?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose. // shake well before using

agitate

verb

ˈa-jə-ˌtāt

Definition of agitate next

as in to stir

to cause (as a liquid) to move about in a circle especially repeatedly this room could use a ceiling fan to agitate the stuffy air a bit

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as in to disturb

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy there's no need to agitate the patient about little things

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word agitate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of agitate are convulse, rock, and shake. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When is it sensible to use convulse instead of agitate?

The words convulse and agitate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

Where would rock be a reasonable alternative to agitate?

Although the words rock and agitate have much in common, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

When can shake be used instead of agitate?

The meanings of shake and agitate largely overlap; however, shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

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 agitate Then agitate the rug for a few minutes to remove any leftover debris. —

Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2025 Using your fingers, lightly agitate the seeds to loosen them from the membrane. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025 Use the pain, agitate, solution framework to warm up your audience. —

Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Additionally, with Uranus in Taurus getting ready to station direct at the end of January, your ongoing personal liberation saga is agitating for change again. —

Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for agitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate

Verb

Ironically, if investors worry that the Fed could be affected by Trump’s wishes to lower rates, that could stir inflation fears that push up long-term rates, such as for mortgages, Bianchi and Millar said.

— Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Add remaining cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. 6.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

Definition of stir

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“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of agitate

verb

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