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 of agitator

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

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

Top-load washers with agitators or impellers clean tough fabrics well by physically moving clothes to loosen dirt. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Across the country, agitators on the left and the right are increasingly flirting with antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories and in-jokes to bring in new followers. — Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026

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