as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
a firebrand who urged crowds to riot during the blackouts
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of firebrand
Newsom has taken a unique approach as a major Democratic politician over the past year, hosting right-wing figures such as Shapiro, Charlie Kirk and MAGA firebrand Steve Bannon on his podcast.
—
Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
The liberal firebrand Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy late in the race and immediately reshaped the competition.
—Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
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
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, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026
The liberal firebrand Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy late in the race and immediately reshaped the competition.
—Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
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
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, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firebrand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firebrand
Noun
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Additionally, attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on shipping routes in the Red Sea have slashed Suez Canal revenues, which is a major source for foreign currency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
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The actor who played soft-hearted rebel Shawn Hunter joined his former costar Matthew Lawrence and his brothers, Andrew and Joey Lawrence, on Friday's episode of their Brotherly Love podcast.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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They could be trapped in the door’s rubber seal or under the agitator, for example.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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Cabrera is accused of having a cockfighting training ring, a dead rooster in a cage, a rooster agitator (a device used to incite fighting), a gun, rooster vitamins, syringes and medication on his property.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Instead of just relying on the network’s standard correspondents, the network’s broadcast seemed to lean equally on Free Press favorites and proponents for Iran strikes.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
2 Mar. 2026
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In practice, the loans function much like a tax – repayments are collected through the tax system – and proponents argue that presenting them with a future tax obligation is less stressful than being saddled with a large debt.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The 2026 State of the Union speech stands in contrast, a speech by a mendacious demagogue who has degraded his listeners by debauching their instincts.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
26 Feb. 2026
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After failing as an entrepreneur in America, and after an interlude in Asia in an attempt (also failed) to build a railroad on the Vietnam-China border, Morès returned to France to pursue a political career as a populist leader and an antisemitic demagogue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Just about everyone agreed that regardless of the winner, supporters of both candidates should throw their support behind the winning candidate.—
Samuel O’Neal
March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
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Over time, the remark evolved into a slogan that became shorthand for the Rangers’ reputation for lone, forceful law enforcement — a legacy that supporters celebrate and critics say oversimplifies a more complicated history.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Both cases, including one that got as far as the Supreme Court, underscore the determination of AI promoters and uses to infiltrate the new technology deeper into society.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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All in all, however, promoters have definitely come up with a great lineup for 2026.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area of South Sudan, a local official said Monday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
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At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area of South Sudan, a local official said Monday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The pair of social media provocateurs post their bizarre arguments and interactions with everyday New Yorkers, which usually end with them being chased down the street and out of bodegas and residential buildings.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
27 Feb. 2026
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The great Russ Meyer and Radley Metzger are represented with double features, as is European provocateur Jess Franco.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firebrand. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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