agitator

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈa-jə-ˌtā-tər 

: 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

• rebel
• supporter
• demagogue
• firebrand
• promoter
• proponent
• provocateur
• insurgent
• demonstrator
• reformer
• protester
• advocate
• instigator
• apostle
• exciter
• demagog
• inciter
• rabble-rouser
• fomenter

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

Though polar opposites, together, Leonard and Bitchy have seen it all; the gruff Bitchy serves as the play’s agitator, pitting him opposite Leonard, the conscience and Greek chorus. —Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 30 July 2025

Some were even attacked by white agitators, but they had been taught not to fight back. —Dwight Lewis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Unlike other agitators, though, their lessons would focus on characters and choreography — their future weapons, songs and sequins. —David MacK, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025

Avoid washing bulky loads in a top-loader with a center agitator. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

agitate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for agitator

• activator
• actuator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator
• calculator

Kids Definition

agitator

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-ər 

1

: a person who stirs up public feeling

2

: a device for stirring or shaking