variants
also demagog
as in agitator
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
that politician is just a demagogue who preys upon people's fears and prejudices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demagogue
And so political leaders, demagogues in particular, can provide simple answers to things that seem very complicated and that stir people in a way that can be directed.
—
Sean Illing, Vox, 22 Feb. 2025
That’s classically how a demagogue works and how a demagogue becomes a tyrant.
—Sean Illing, Vox, 22 Feb. 2025
Many of the systems designed to constrain just such a demagogue have failed, with deferential courts in particular having let the former and soon-to-be president skate on nakedly anti-democratic conduct.
—Orlando Sentinel and New York Daily News Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
Reagan, who served in the latter years of the Cold War in the 1980s, invoked free trade as a weapon in the fight against authoritarian adversaries abroad and perceived demagogues at home.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for demagogue
Sean Illing, Vox, 22 Feb. 2025
That’s classically how a demagogue works and how a demagogue becomes a tyrant.
—Sean Illing, Vox, 22 Feb. 2025
Many of the systems designed to constrain just such a demagogue have failed, with deferential courts in particular having let the former and soon-to-be president skate on nakedly anti-democratic conduct.
—Orlando Sentinel and New York Daily News Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
Reagan, who served in the latter years of the Cold War in the 1980s, invoked free trade as a weapon in the fight against authoritarian adversaries abroad and perceived demagogues at home.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 27 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for demagogue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demagogue
Noun
-
At the time anti-Israel agitators rushed into the library, students were studying for final exams.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
-
Behind this model lies a transnational alliance of libertarian think tanks, financial elites, and far-right agitators who see Argentina as a test case.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
For her commitment, Rodrigo received the Catalyst of Change award, presented by fellow feminist firebrand Lily Allen.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to the firebrand Vermont independent, the event will also feature his tour mate, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Neil Young, Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
California’s Democratic leaders, including Newsom and top state lawmakers, have been major proponents of transitioning to renewable energy and imposing more restrictions on the state’s oil and gas industry.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
-
He’s been a steadfast proponent of theatrical and a believer in its longevity — not just in franchises but also original movies.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Set in a crumbling Japanese metropolis rebuilt after a devastating explosion, Akira follows teenage rebels Kaneda and Tetsuo as secret government experiments unleash psychic forces capable of unmaking the world.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
21 May 2025
-
Bombs go off to separate the authorities from the rebels.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Notably, the promoter recently discontinued its popular Lawn Pass program, through which music fans paid a flat fee for a lawn ticket to every summer concert at participating amphitheaters.—
Taylor Mims,
Billboard,
14 May 2025
-
In this case, the promoter is Live Nation, which annually books multiple large concerts at the home of the Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
A couple of weeks ago, the provocateur Laura Loomer got the White House to force the firing of some of his aides, which was a little like taking personnel advice from Lyndon LaRouche.—
The Editors,
National Review,
2 May 2025
-
In a flash, the internet provocateur struck with a loaded punch, dropping Styles to the mat.—
Russ Weakland,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The six-time CIF champions fell narrowly to Mira Mesa for the title Fast-forward to 2025, and the Patriots found themselves once again in the Championship match — the program’s fifth appearance in the past seven years.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 May 2025
-
Let’s champion innovation, protect patient access, and keep America at the forefront of life-saving discovery.—
Julio Fuentes,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
The most recent Pope Leo Leo XIII was elected in 1878 and was known as a reformer, a pontiff who emphasized diplomacy, advocated for scientific progress and positioned the church as a defender of human rights.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
The cardinal electors face a stark choice — select a pope who will follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, an Argentine reformer who advocated for migrants and the environment, or one who will guide the Catholic Church down a more traditional path.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demagogue. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share