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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigator
Noun
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Unfortunately for proponents of AB 699, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed a similar proposal six years ago.—
Patrick Gleason,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025 -
Volz has been a major proponent of continuing to rely mainly on NOAA operated satellites, while entering into data purchase agreements with private companies as well.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The former City Council president spent primary day visiting various polling sites, capping off the night with her team and supporters at The Enclave on Detroit's northwest side to celebrate her campaign.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The decision sparked a firestorm on social media — where much of the debate around these issues is taking place — and Jackson-Smith was the target of abusive and threatening comments from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Both Scott and concert promoter Live Nation were investigated in the wake of the tragedy but were cleared by a Texas grand jury in 2023.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Aug. 2025
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Opened in 2019 by former nightclub promoter Josh Heuser, the bar makes imaginative use of the tunnels once used as storage for saloons and breweries before the days of refrigeration.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
Noun
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According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, last year was the worst year yet for peace in the country since a 2016 deal was struck between the FARC, Colombia’s largest rebel group, and the Colombian state.—
Ladan Anoushfar,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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In 2024, a group of UN experts said that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops were fighting alongside the rebels.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Our agency protocol prioritizes swiftly engaging with both positive sentiment to cultivate brand advocates and negative feedback for prompt, effective reputation management.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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So the matter went back to the City Council Planning and Development Committee in May and was recommended for approval, despite facing some opposition from residents and advocates.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Though polar opposites, together, Leonard and Bitchy have seen it all; the gruff Bitchy serves as the play’s agitator, pitting him opposite Leonard, the conscience and Greek chorus.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
30 July 2025
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Some were even attacked by white agitators, but they had been taught not to fight back.—
Dwight Lewis,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Journalists In Gaza Are Documenting Their Own Starvation Global pro-Palestinian marches garner attention As international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered across major cities over the weekend to demand a cease-fire.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
4 Aug. 2025
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The demonstrators also spoke vehemently against school vouchers, a controversial program that would use public dollars to pay for a child’s private schooling and which Gov. Greg Abbott has also thrown his political weight behind.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Concerned about her firebrand daughter’s political movements, Rosa didn’t become an activist herself until her family was ripped from her.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Marjorie Taylor Greene—Georgia’s 14th District The firebrand Republican has been one of Trump’s most ardent supporters on Capitol Hill since her election in 2021.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
21 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Instigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigator. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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