firebrand

noun

ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbrand How to pronounce firebrand (audio)
Definition of firebrandnext
as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 firebrand The speech that followed created the perception of her as a firebrand, but those who have followed her career closely have found a more circumspect figure. — Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026 Widdecombe’s death has shaken British politics, silencing a longtime conservative voice from Parliament and Europe who later became a Reform UK firebrand remembered by friends for personal warmth and sharp humor. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 The 25-year-old firebrand made a critical tag at the plate to prevent the go-ahead run from scoring in the ninth inning and found himself in the middle of an incident where the benches briefly cleared in the 10th. — Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 Now, the right-wing firebrand has managed to win the backing of at least four billionaires as of May 6, according to the latest available election data—including the CEO and cofounder of Kalshi. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firebrand
  1. rebel
  2. agitator
  3. proponent
  4. demagogue
  5. supporter
  6. promoter
  7. insurgent
  8. provocateur
Noun
  • So there is such a powerful underline of her character, this sort of fierce rebel constantly wanting to find out the truth, constantly aware of her surroundings, aware of everything.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside Garfield’s Ploughman is Cosmo Jarvis as the true historical figure Wat Tyler, Jamie Bell as clergyman John Ball and Thomasin McKenzie as fellow rebel Alyce.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of rebel
Noun
  • The agitator never appeared, but the threat left the staff on edge throughout the day.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Connor Clattenburg is a throwback player who can play agitator and enforcer and chip in with goals.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of agitator
Noun
  • What may be alarming to proponents of data privacy is exciting for marketers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Her departure follows a career shift from a respected business journalist to a proponent of conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the 2020 election.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • This included understanding the history of democratic ideas and practical governance, as well as the need to protect minority groups and the dangers posed by demagogues.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In recent years, totalizing ideologies such as communism, fascism, and Islamism have found dedicated audiences on social media, and the proliferation of demagogues manipulating people for malign ends is an ever-present worry.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of demagogue
Noun
  • Footage circulating on social media appears to show a confrontation unfolding on the sidelines in the 73rd minute when Bielik was attempting to retrieve a ball that was thrown back into play by a young Portsmouth supporter.
    — Sam Joseph, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy’s supporters were divided, some holding out hope the Commonwealth’s highest court would intervene and others coming to accept what would end up being the inescapable conclusion.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • At the time, there was no real professional scene for female fighters, with the major promoters not seeing any commercial value in it.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The moving event was organized by PR industry powerhouses Helen Shelton and Angelo Ellerbee along with event promoter Roz Nixon.
    — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of promoter
Noun
  • The festival was an impressive feat of planning and production, an execution of vision that may or may not translate into alternative, insurgent thought or actions.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The insecurity landscape is also more chaotic because some groups, after initially being invited to help defend against insurgents, turned into terrorists, said Dengiyefa Angalapu, an analyst at the Center for Democracy and Development in Abuja.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of insurgent
Noun
  • As social media evolved, Kiffin innovated, without regret, as the sport’s biggest poster and provocateur.
    — Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • British provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos – who built his career in America through controversial public speaking that appealed to the far right, including calls for aggressive immigration enforcement – now faces deportation from the United States.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocateur

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Cite this Entry

“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firebrand. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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