variants
also demagogs
as in agitators
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 demagogues
Without a robust legitimacy narrative, demagogues fill the vacuum.
—
Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
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
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
In fact, the term itself was an epithet throughout the founding era, a way to describe ignorant and easily deceived popular majorities, perpetually vulnerable to demagogues.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
America seems unlikely to be made great again by the demagogues of white nationalism, who cannot help but channel fury over irreversible decline at those who have been working hard, through either literal or spiritual immigration, to become American.
—Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Our shrinking attention span has left us vulnerable to demagogues and misinformation from every direction.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Because huge shocks to the system tend to empower either a) bold problem solvers or b) populist demagogues.
—Matt K. Lewis, Twin Cities, 19 Aug. 2025
Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
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
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
In fact, the term itself was an epithet throughout the founding era, a way to describe ignorant and easily deceived popular majorities, perpetually vulnerable to demagogues.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
America seems unlikely to be made great again by the demagogues of white nationalism, who cannot help but channel fury over irreversible decline at those who have been working hard, through either literal or spiritual immigration, to become American.
—Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Our shrinking attention span has left us vulnerable to demagogues and misinformation from every direction.
—Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Because huge shocks to the system tend to empower either a) bold problem solvers or b) populist demagogues.
—Matt K. Lewis, Twin Cities, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demagogues
Noun
-
Garvey is just one of hundreds of anti-government operatives training agitators to interfere with federal law enforcement.—
Asra Q. Nomani , Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Has not the potential of violence been lit up when local law enforcement is nowhere to be found when protesters and agitators descend upon the hotels where ICE is staying?—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Aleppo had fallen to the rebels by the time Assad landed back in Damascus.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
-
According to a United Nations report, since seizing Rubaya, the rebels have imposed taxes on the trade and transport of coltan, generating at least $800,000 a month.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some religious leaders oppose practice While proponents point to environmental benefits, human composting is not universally accepted.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
At the time, proponents of the bill mentioned that it could also be used to crack down on Spring Breakers.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those funds often backed far-right Republican insurgents.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Amid the nods to social media and cancel culture and the shallow perils of modern celebrity, the image of Taylor-Joy’s disciplined group of insurgents, who speak in almost archaic, poetic dialogue, strikes a bracing contrast.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If dialogue or compromise were to take place, his sacred image would collapse in the eyes of his supporters.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
On the other hand, the court upheld limits on what supporters can contribute directly.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These floor seats are also removable, so that promoters can have open-floor space when needed for concerts or other events.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Independent producers and promoters rent its venues for their performances and events.—
E. Andrew Taylor,
The Conversation,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the 1980s, right-wing firebrands such as Jerry Falwell and Anita Bryant claimed that the AIDS epidemic was a plague sent by God to punish gay people.—
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s proposal echoes a long-standing push by progressive Democrats and a few conservative firebrands on Capitol Hill to implement credit card interest rate caps, which would limit the fee a card issuer can charge consumers who carry a balance past their due date.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
The Hill,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There were right-wing provocateurs coming to town.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Third parties, which are usually based on fringe views or a sense of grievance, are vehicles for ideologues, provocateurs and contrarians whose appeal is as limited as their problem-solving skills.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demagogues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demagogues. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
