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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California’s Democratic leaders, including Newsom and top state lawmakers, have been major proponents of transitioning to renewable energy and imposing more restrictions on the state’s oil and gas industry.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025 -
He’s been a steadfast proponent of theatrical and a believer in its longevity — not just in franchises but also original movies.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Goodison is the only stadium in the world to have a church in one of its corners, and St Luke’s remains a vibrant meeting point for supporters on matchday.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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As of Wednesday, nearly 11,500 people, including current students, alumni, faculty and HBCU supporters nationwide, signed a petition opposing Johnson’s appointment, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Notably, the promoter recently discontinued its popular Lawn Pass program, through which music fans paid a flat fee for a lawn ticket to every summer concert at participating amphitheaters.—
Taylor Mims,
Billboard,
14 May 2025
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The criminal proceeding affects all four band members, along with the group’s manager and concert promoter, and accuses them of glorifying the criminal activities of cartels.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Despite all their years of playing cat-and-mouse, Diego Luna’s rebel spy Cassian Andor and Kyle Soller‘s Empire agent Syril Karn have never had much screen time together — until now.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
7 May 2025
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Israel has repeatedly targeted the rebels in Yemen.—
Elena Becatoros,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2025
Noun
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Biking advocates say that the draconian crackdown was done without any public notice and that pedal bike riders are being swept up in this unprecedented dragnet.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
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Immigrant advocates including the American Civil Liberties Union challenged these deportations, arguing that the Trump administration has offered little evidence that the Venezuelans are gang members, and that the men have a right to contest those allegations in court.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
16 May 2025
Noun
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At the time anti-Israel agitators rushed into the library, students were studying for final exams.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
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Behind this model lies a transnational alliance of libertarian think tanks, financial elites, and far-right agitators who see Argentina as a test case.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 May 2025
Noun
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There’s a big contrast between the demonstrators who were sentenced immediately on the spot the day after the arrest; they were often sentenced to several months in prison.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
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The 39-year-old uniformed officer was monitoring the protest at Union Square Park at 8:15 p.m. Thursday when a masked demonstrator approached and shoved the metal barrier into the cop’s face.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
Noun
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For her commitment, Rodrigo received the Catalyst of Change award, presented by fellow feminist firebrand Lily Allen.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
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In addition to the firebrand Vermont independent, the event will also feature his tour mate, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Neil Young, Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
11 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Instigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigator. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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