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

James Fishback, a right-wing agitator who captured the imagination of Gen Z voters by throwing about racist and antisemitic comments, came in third with just over 10% of the vote. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Tibbetts wants fans to blame outside agitators for ruining the league's momentum. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Where top loaders rely on the agitator to clean the items, front load washers are strategically built with side paddles that lift the clothes up and rotate them in the tumble. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

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

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