rabble-rouser

noun

ˈra-bəl-ˌrau̇-zər How to pronounce rabble-rouser (audio)
Definition of rabble-rousernext
as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent rabble-rousers inciting hungry people in breadlines to demand social justice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rabble-rouser Bryce Young makes the placid Brock Purdy look like a rabble-rouser at the podium. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025 There are also rabble-rousers at the site, yelling expletives as heavily armed federal officers survey them on the sidewalk from a perch up on the roof. — Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025 Most of these commentators, influencers, and rabble-rousers operate outside the mainstream-media spotlight, yet their influence is vast, shaping how the next generation thinks about race, gender, government, and truth itself. — Clara Molot, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025 But the hard-right caucus, typically the House rabble-rousers and thorns in Johnson’s side, are all-in on the rescissions package as vocal supporters of DOGE. — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rabble-rouser
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rabble-rouser
  1. rebel
  2. firebrand
  3. agitator
  4. demagogue
  5. promoter
  6. proponent
  7. provocateur
  8. supporter
Noun
  • The Houthi rebels have long been backed by Iran and reviled by Saudi Arabia.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Further complicating exports, Yemen's Houthi rebels are now disrupting shipping in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, targeting Saudi tankers and threatening an alternative oil route.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of rebel
Noun
  • The speech that followed created the perception of her as a firebrand, but those who have followed her career closely have found a more circumspect figure.
    — Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
  • Widdecombe’s death has shaken British politics, silencing a longtime conservative voice from Parliament and Europe who later became a Reform UK firebrand remembered by friends for personal warmth and sharp humor.
    — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of firebrand
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
  • The Constitution was crafted out of fear — fear of concentrated power, factional dominance, corruption, demagogues, unchecked executives, and the use of public office for personal gain.
    — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
  • But those standards can be easily stretched by demagogues, and a simple majority on the committee is enough to ban a party, though a panel of nine Supreme Court justices can overturn the decision on appeal.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Definition of demagogue
Noun
  • But this is a site that’s been fined for deceptive pricing and is not beloved by those who use it, with low customer net-promoter scores.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • Joshua was discharged from hospital after two days but earlier this week his promoter Eddie Hearn told the BBC that in the early stages of his recovery, just a slight movement in bed would be excruciating pain for the boxer.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of promoter
Noun
  • The bill’s legislative proponents argue the measure is a win for taxpayers, citing reductions in the cost of homeownership while maintaining funding for schools and other essential services.
    — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Those lawmakers pressed legislative leaders to revisit that exemption this year, and SB-954 is the resulting compromise, its proponents say.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • Music, Fashion, Film is a definite left-turn from the pop provocateur’s recent work, but its earnest blend of cheek and vulnerability is Charli through and through.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
  • Until, that is, the play’s rather retrograde climax, when the playwright’s provocateur wildness goes limp.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of provocateur
Noun
  • Khamenei described the group as being at the forefront of resistance to Israel and its supporters.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Thekla answered with a Spider suplex as the Thekla supporters cheered.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of supporter

Browse Nearby Words

rabblement
rabble-rouser
rabble-rousers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rabble-rouser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rabble-rouser. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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