as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
a political agitator who led an unsuccessful revolt against the government
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Recent Examples of agitator
Chicago and the state must be prepared to crack down on outside agitators who come to the city to incite violence, including applying federal charges and seeking damages from individuals and organizations responsible for violence.
—
Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Foolish agitators who take advantage of Trump's chaos will be held accountable.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Other protesters with a different agenda, or agitators of any sort, can insert themselves into a movement and use confrontational tactics like violence against property or law enforcement.
—Jeremy Pressman, The Conversation, 15 June 2025
Tensions continued to escalate throughout the evening as agitators began throwing rocks at officers, and one person spat in an officer's eye, according to police.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitator
Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Foolish agitators who take advantage of Trump's chaos will be held accountable.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Other protesters with a different agenda, or agitators of any sort, can insert themselves into a movement and use confrontational tactics like violence against property or law enforcement.
—Jeremy Pressman, The Conversation, 15 June 2025
Tensions continued to escalate throughout the evening as agitators began throwing rocks at officers, and one person spat in an officer's eye, according to police.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitator
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitator
Noun
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The Houthis paused attacks until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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Shortly after that, Israeli airstrikes on Iranian weapons shipments to Hezbollah across neighboring Syria — at the time, a key ally of Iran — weakened the dictatorship of President Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown last December by rebels.—
James Hider,
NPR,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The President’s supporters have expressed anger and frustration over how the Administration has handled the case in the wake of the move.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
14 July 2025
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Ryan was the sole supporter of his family at the time of his death, per the fundraising page.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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As a Baptist preacher and an anti-Catholic demagogue, Catts played well to a certain constituency at the time.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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Today, as fears of authoritarianism and political demagogues have been unexpectedly rekindled, certain episodes are again recalled, especially those with political and social themes – which were contained within at least 1/3 of the total produced.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
21 June 2025
Noun
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Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+ 'Madea's Destination Wedding' Tyler Perry's don't-call-her-elderly firebrand Madea returns in yet another comedy.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Since assuming office in December 2023, the firebrand libertarian economist has slashed government expenditures and secured a $20 billion deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Noun
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From b-boy to concert promoter to hip-hop shop owner Chuck Huus opened the first Trill Hip Hop Shop at 2401 E. Indian School Road in late 2017, moving down the road a bit to 1817 E. Indian School Road in 2018 before settling into its current home on Dec. 18, 2024.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
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If weather cancels a festival or an outdoor show, fans may or may not get a full refund, depending on the policies of the promoter and ticketing company.—
Bill Hochberg,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Though no concrete evidence was ever provided, proponents of the rumor published multiple videos on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms detailing their claims.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
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Crypto proponents say those rules could legitimize stablecoins, making banks, retailers and consumers more comfortable with using them to transfer funds.—
Niket Nishant,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Trump occupies the center of a movement, whereas Musk is a chief provocateur for that movement.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Shocks to your sense of emotional security awaken your inner provocateur as Mars and Uranus clash!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
Noun
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The warning issue June 11 said terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attacked Iraqi security forces and civilians and anti-U.S. militias threatened U.S. citizens and international companies.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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The Iranian regime has held Americans hostage and supported terrorists and insurgents who have killed U.S. service members in Lebanon and Iraq.—
Reid Smith,
Foreign Affairs,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitator. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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