agitator

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈa-jə-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
Synonyms of agitatornext
: one that agitates: such as
a
: one who stirs up public feeling on controversial issues
political agitators
b
: a device or an apparatus for stirring or shaking

Synonyms of agitator

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Examples of agitator in a Sentence

The police arrested several anti-government agitators. a political agitator who led an unsuccessful revolt against the government
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Use 2 tablespoons in a standard top-load washer with a center agitator. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 The 32-year-old Cousins is an agitator you’d rather have on your team than play against — at least that’s how the Senators feel. — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 30 June 2026 To clean the filter, locate it (either in the center agitator, in the drum’s top lip, behind a trap door on the front of the machine, or near the water pump or drainage hose). — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 Gaetz was the chief agitator among a group of six far-right Republicans intent on keeping McCarthy from the gavel. — Zak Hudak, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for agitator

Word History

Etymology

agitate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agitator was in 1663

Rhymes for agitator

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Browse Nearby Words

agitato
agitator
agitator feed
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Cite this Entry

“Agitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agitator. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

agitator

noun
ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
1
: a person who stirs up public feeling
2
: a device for stirring or shaking

More from Merriam-Webster on agitator

Nglish: Translation of agitator for Spanish Speakers

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