rabble-rouser

noun

rab·​ble-rous·​er ˈra-bəl-ˌrau̇-zər 

: one that stirs up the masses of the people (as to hatred or violence)

rabble-rousing

ˈra-bəl-ˌrau-ziŋ 

noun or adjective

Synonyms of rabble-rouser

• rebel
• firebrand
• agitator
• demagogue
• promoter
• proponent
• provocateur
• supporter
• insurgent
• protester
• apostle
• instigator
• reformer
• advocate
• demonstrator

Examples of rabble-rouser in a Sentence

rabble-rousers inciting hungry people in breadlines to demand social justice

Recent Examples on the Web

Democratic politicians, bureaucrats and labor leaders, once rabble-rousers like Bass who nowadays seem to exist mostly to keep their sinecure, have labored mightily to convince unbelieving voters that Bass deserves another shot. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

The new faces are top-six forward Valeri Nichushkin and fourth-line rabble-rouser Ryan Lomberg. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 6 July 2026

Being put on some list of rabble-rousers? — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026

Columbia University's new president is already facing opposition from anti-Israel rabble-rousers, who have condemned her for previous actions taken against leftist encampments at her last college. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rabble-rouser

noun

rab·​ble-rous·​er

ˈrab-əl-ˌrau̇-zər

: a person who stirs up the people especially to hatred or violence