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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of demagogue
In turn, the erosion of trust has weakened the social contract that sustains representative government, leaving democracies more vulnerable to populist demagogues, institutional paralysis, and the gradual normalization of authoritarian alternatives.
—
Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Trump can be seen as a bastion of free trade for the Silicon Valley capitalists, a beacon of white Christian America to the heartland Evangelicals, and a fascist demagogue to the blood and soil nationalists.
—Ryan Broderick, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025
Studies show that as a result of these cycles, Americans on the left and right have developed an exaggerated sense of the other side’s hostility, exactly as some political demagogues intend.
—Adam G. Klein, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
That’s in no way a movement that could sweep the midterms and then be harnessed by a charismatic demagogue to remake an entire political party.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demagogue
Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Trump can be seen as a bastion of free trade for the Silicon Valley capitalists, a beacon of white Christian America to the heartland Evangelicals, and a fascist demagogue to the blood and soil nationalists.
—Ryan Broderick, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025
Studies show that as a result of these cycles, Americans on the left and right have developed an exaggerated sense of the other side’s hostility, exactly as some political demagogues intend.
—Adam G. Klein, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2025
That’s in no way a movement that could sweep the midterms and then be harnessed by a charismatic demagogue to remake an entire political party.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demagogue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demagogue
Noun
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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
Noun
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When his teams didn’t entertain, Moe became the show, this cursing, grumbling, rumpled 6-foot-5 firebrand who dressed like a ’70s private detective, a disheveled anti-hero who detested suits.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
18 Feb. 2026
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The party is led by veteran hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a former Trotskyist who stood for the presidency in 2012, 2017 and 2022 and failed to advance to the decisive run-off round.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lucas’s focus on getting paid brings him in for the book’s harshest criticism; Fischer casts him as a rebel turned sellout.—
Michael O’Donnell,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
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On the other hand, Bennu is the rebel — its glycine likely originated in frozen ice exposed to harsh radiation in the outer reaches of the solar system.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The conference will cover a number of topics relevant to musical artists, venue operators, and festival and event promoters.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
October highlights The LA Phil is dark at the Bowl in October, but the outside promoters have a few more offerings before evenings get too chilly for nights beneath the Hollywood stars.—
Peter Larsen,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite his history with direct-to-streaming releases, Timothée Chalamet is a proponent of the moviegoing experience.—
Christi Carras,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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Both Nakamura and Carlsen are proponents of faster formats and are signed to esports teams.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Yet Anti Fund faces pressure to overcome Paul’s provocateur image.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
14 Feb. 2026
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Last month, the right-wing provocateur appeared on Megyn Kelly’s show to discuss his new video series, Real History With Matt Walsh.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the northeast, insurgent groups exploit institutional weaknesses and economic vulnerability.—
Yusuf Tuggar,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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Bass, politically bruised over her handling of last year’s devastating Palisades fire, now faces an insurgent campaign from one of the City Council’s savviest players.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the Christian religion, the Last Supper — the final meal Jesus shared with his apostles before his crucifixion — was a Passover feast.—
Lianna Norman,
Florida Times-Union,
16 Feb. 2026
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This is the final day of Lent for Christians and focuses on the remembrance of both the foot washing and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.—
Chris Sims,
Louisville Courier Journal,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demagogue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demagogue. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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