INSTIGATOR Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

instigator

noun

Definition of instigator

as in proponent

a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent an instigator who always managed to be innocently standing by once the fighting began

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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 instigator It was said in jest, yet the sport’s most audacious instigators might take him up on it. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Greek director-screenwriter-producer Tsangari is considered a principal instigator of the Greek New Wave. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at the time downplayed the confrontation, with the Heat routinely making peace after acquiring former Heat instigators. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 Which is why this opinion piece speculates that the spending effect of growth in the form of high demand for all things Swift and World Cup is a relative growth somnolent as opposed to an instigator. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 The parents, arguably the film’s first instigators, operate based off fear of their children’s sexuality. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 The Aussies aren’t the sole instigators, according to them. — Sean Gregory, Time, 18 June 2026 Rimet, the instigator of the World Cup, was an enthusiastic supporter of professional soccer at a time when amateur sport was considered superior. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 There are leaders, lurkers, peacekeepers, instigators, and the person who only surfaces to drop an occasional thumbs-up. — Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigator

Noun

But lawmakers appear to be turning to the provisions as a means of transitioning away from that model and toward what proponents, including Netanyahu, describe as a mutually beneficial defense partnership.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Although proponents say the substances help with weight loss, energy and muscle mass, and often cite research that has been done solely on animals or on a very small number of humans, no one knows for certain how or when it should be used in humans.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of proponent

Noun

Freezing dormant coins, supporters argue, beats letting a future quantum thief drain them and dump them on the market.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
After spending last summer in the heat of Hong Kong and South Korea, where the Tottenham supporter base is large and fervent, opting for Australia and New Zealand offered a welcome change of pace.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

The order is the latest in a long-running SEBI probe into Zee’s promoters.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Lollapalooza’s promoter, C3 Presents, is now on the hook for the cleanup, including what could be a costly restoration of Grant Park’s grass, which had disappeared under the crowds by the festival’s third day.

— Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of promoter

Noun

Patient safety advocates criticize the decision, noting these unapproved compounds, like BPC-157, lack robust human clinical trials and pose risks, including potential cancer links.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Consumer advocates say state student loans are more akin to private student loans, and should be approached with caution.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Naturally, Cornyn’s increasing role as a White House agitator and swing vote hasn’t gone over well with the MAGA base.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Some of the speculation comes from state workers who are unhappy with the governor’s decision, the moderator said, but the subreddit’s activity also attracts outside agitators who are obviously not government employees.

— William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of agitator

Noun

That aircraft primarily served as a technology demonstrator, allowing engineers to verify flight controls, aerodynamic performance and core aircraft systems before introducing more advanced prototypes.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
During the test, the 28-meter-tall demonstrator underwent a simulated pre-flight sequence under cryogenic conditions.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

Definition of demonstrator

Noun

The faux outrage was egged on by professional right-wing provocateurs like Robby Starbuck, Benny Johnson and a leading investor in MAGA darling Steak n’ Shake.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
In the movie, out July 31, Hoffman plays fresh college grad Elliot, who lands an exciting job for renowned artist and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde).

— Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026

Definition of provocateur

Browse Nearby Words

instigative

instigator

instigators

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“Instigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigator. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigator

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