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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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

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

Examples 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 Use your clean hands to gently agitate the berries to ensure all pieces and sides are washed. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 The display of bioluminescence, created when a type of algae is agitated, is difficult to forecast, but over the last nine days, Californians have shared videos and photos of the phenomenon from San Diego to Point Mugu and several other locations in between. —

Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 Sweet cream buttermilk comes about by churning or agitating cream, according to Serena Shasteen of Bob's Red Mill. —

Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024 When both individuals were agitated, aggression increased by an astonishing 86%. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for agitate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate

Verb

Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
Ingredients: 1 part Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro 1 part Mezcal Directions: Build over ice in a rocks glass and lightly stir to mix, creating a smoky, intriguing sip.

Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024