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

While the dye likely won’t affect the metal components, the plastic agitator, drum, rim, and seal in your machine may no longer be white. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025

And while some have crossed the line from peaceful protesters to violent agitators, violence already has ample legal remedies under state and federal law. —Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025

The Boston Police Department said that agitators directly assaulted officers during the riot. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

The cases range from political agitators seeking to intimidate immigrants to others using the guise of authority to allegedly kidnap, rob or assault victims. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 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