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

Ideally, use a front-loading washer or a top-load washer without a center agitator so the pillows have more room to move in the washer. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026

His record as an effective agitator for Black advancement positioned him as a go-to adviser for Chicago politicians who sought his endorsement. —Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Both largely blamed outside agitators, noting that conservative influencers urged people to attend the meeting and several of the speakers came from surrounding towns. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026

This, in my view, would have kept these agitators away from ICE agents, and almost certainly would have prevented both deaths. —Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 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