INSTIGATOR Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

instigator

noun

Definition of instigator

as in proponent

a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent an instigator who always managed to be innocently standing by once the fighting began

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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 instigator Said another way, Meta’s social media are an instigator of the community and living that are enemies of depression and mental instability. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The use of simplified Chinese, used in China, found in internal documents linked to the hack suggests a high probability that the instigator, whether public or private, is linked to China, experts said. — John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Luis Suarez was one of the instigators, spit on a Sounders official, and was punished with six-game Leagues Cup suspension, which means the Uruguayan forward is banned from the entire 2026 tournament. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 It was said in jest, yet the sport’s most audacious instigators might take him up on it. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Greek director-screenwriter-producer Tsangari is considered a principal instigator of the Greek New Wave. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 Heat coach Erik Spoelstra at the time downplayed the confrontation, with the Heat routinely making peace after acquiring former Heat instigators. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 The parents, arguably the film’s first instigators, operate based off fear of their children’s sexuality. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 June 2026 The Aussies aren’t the sole instigators, according to them. — Sean Gregory, Time, 18 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigator

Noun

Beniers is a big proponent of the player empowerment trend and believes players are well within their rights to turn down a trade or contract.

— Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
In order to secure the large number of signatures, proponents of initiatives typically hire petition management companies, according to the indictment.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of proponent

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

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 safest way to pay someone, consumer advocates say, is online, with a credit or debit card or electronic check.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Researchers and climate advocates have suggested that eating less meat is one way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and benefit the environment.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of advocate

Noun

Rheinmetall Laser Weapon System Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have developed a naval laser demonstrator intended to defeat drones and other small, rapidly moving targets.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
This will be followed by the A2 demonstrator that will upgrade performance and include actual weapons by 2030.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of demonstrator

Noun

Linnetz relishes in his identity as a provocateur, a detail about him which has, in fact, produced more viral moments in five years than most people have in their entire career as a designer.

— Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
As social media evolved, Kiffin innovated, without regret, as the sport’s biggest poster and provocateur.

— Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of provocateur

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instigative

instigator

instigators

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“Instigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigator. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigator

noun

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