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 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 Which is why this opinion piece speculates that the spending effect of growth in the form of high demand for all things Swift and World Cup is a relative growth somnolent as opposed to an instigator. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 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 Rimet, the instigator of the World Cup, was an enthusiastic supporter of professional soccer at a time when amateur sport was considered superior. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 There are leaders, lurkers, peacekeepers, instigators, and the person who only surfaces to drop an occasional thumbs-up. — Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026 More often than not, junior shortstop Mei Shirokawa is the instigator for Burlington Central. — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 In part, Turner’s own frustration with television news was the instigator. — David Bauder, Fortune, 6 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigator

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

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Hundreds of supporters gathered to cheer her arrival after nearly a month and a half at sea.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

Mali’s junta has accused Algeria of backing local extremist rebels who are linked to the Muslim militant group al-Qaida.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
That was the year the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba alongside Cuban and Puerto Rican rebels and in the Philippines.

— Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of rebel

Noun

While advocates for court reporters say humans can still do the job better than machines, the fact that many hearings occur without any official transcript at all has drawn concern from top state officials.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Human rights advocates have also welcomed Jin’s release but cautioned that many members of Zion Church still remain behind bars.

— Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of advocate

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

The Ranger capability demonstrator was developed jointly by submarine systems specialist Gabler, based in Lübeck, and defense technology company Flanq, which is headquartered in Rostock.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
The vehicle was a suborbital technology demonstrator, climbing to an altitude of roughly 54 miles (88 km) before falling back to Earth.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 13 July 2026

Definition of demonstrator

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

Browse Nearby Words

instigative

instigator

instigators

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“Instigator.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigator. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigator

noun

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