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

That might be an agitator for some players. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025

To those worried about an unchecked secularism, Dobson was a powerful agitator for his version of moral certitude and fundamentalist faith. —Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Aug. 2025

Because, as well as insisting on the superiority of white protestant morality and culture, the Klan viewed labor unions as un-American foreign ideologies tied to socialism and Bolshevism – all promoted by Jewish and Catholic agitators. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025

The Sweet family defended themselves by firing shots and killing one of the agitators, which led to a murder trial. —Dana Afana, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 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