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 A lot of the show has a low-to-medium simmer that feels appropriate for an firebrand of 85 whose pilot light is going strong but who isn’t worried about acting like a 30-year-old rocker, either. — Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2026 What began as a harmless project took a turn when Ben Shapiro, the right-wing firebrand, made a reaction video to one of Uncle Pappy’s clips in June 2024, taking his comedic comments at face value. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026 But over the last five-plus years, Mace has evolved into a conservative firebrand. — Max Rego, The Hill, 11 June 2026 Before releasing his own albums, Ulmer played electric guitar in free-jazz firebrand Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time touring ensemble. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 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
  • In one of the videos, the rebels were seen opening fire on some soldiers lying on the ground.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Many rebels believed the burden of repaying the public debt fell disproportionately on common people while benefiting elites.
    — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of rebel
Noun
  • Across the country, agitators on the left and the right are increasingly flirting with antisemitic tropes, conspiracy theories and in-jokes to bring in new followers.
    — Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • An agitator is a post in the machine’s center that twists so the clothes can rub against each other, while impellers have a cone or disc on the bottom of the drum that spins.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2026
Definition of agitator
Noun
  • Some proponents suggest that prediction markets could be an alternative to insurance, especially as insurers pull out of regions at high-risk for wildfire.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Bell won the All-Star Race last year and was a massive proponent of North Wilkesboro Speedway landing on the points schedule.
    — Alex Zietlow July 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • The Constitution was crafted out of fear — fear of concentrated power, factional dominance, corruption, demagogues, unchecked executives, and the use of public office for personal gain.
    — Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
  • But those standards can be easily stretched by demagogues, and a simple majority on the committee is enough to ban a party, though a panel of nine Supreme Court justices can overturn the decision on appeal.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Definition of demagogue
Noun
  • Club legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Phil Thompson and Tash Dowie will be on the trip to attend various meet-and-greet events with sponsors and supporters.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Party leaders, Wangchuk’s wife and supporters accuse authorities of ‘abducting’ him to stifle a growing protest movement, as police flood main protest with barricades and paramilitary forces.
    — Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of supporter
Noun
  • No experienced concert promoter books talent by follower count.
    — Ramin Seyed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Plaintiffs alleged that the event promoters were negligent in failing to secure required permits, not providing adequate security or crowd control and misrepresenting the event as safe for families, according to the statement.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of promoter
Noun
  • June’s primary victories by left-wing candidates in New York have been described as a political earthquake, with insurgent socialists winning races statewide, including high-profile congressional victories and nearly a dozen more downballot.
    — Danny Kaplowitz, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
  • So far though, the prediction market insurgents have not meaningfully cut into sportsbook profits.
    — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of insurgent
Noun
  • The Onion is pressing ahead with its takeover of InfoWars, the conspiracy-laden media empire formerly owned by far-right provocateur Alex Jones.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The height of her popularity came during her 12-year relationship with French provocateur Serge Gainsbourg.
    — Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
Definition of provocateur

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firebrand
firebrands
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Cite this Entry

“Firebrand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firebrand. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of firebrand for Spanish Speakers

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