instigators

noun

plural of instigator
as in proponents
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

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 instigators 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 There are leaders, lurkers, peacekeepers, instigators, and the person who only surfaces to drop an occasional thumbs-up. — Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026 All of that would be intriguing even if the founders of Deep Voodoo weren’t South Park instigators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026 In 2001, the United States and its allies stormed into Afghanistan, aiming to destroy the Taliban and round up the instigators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. — Nolan Finley, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026 The instigators were allowed to go beyond peaceful protests to hindering law enforcement from doing their job which escalated with the result of two people tragically losing their lives. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026 Federal officials and the president himself were swift to label those killed as instigators. — Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigators
  1. proponents
  2. promoters
  3. agitators
  4. supporters
  5. rebels
  6. provocateurs
  7. advocates
  8. insurgents
Noun
  • While proponents highlight their potential for companionship, addressing issues like loneliness, this technology sparks profound ethical debates.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Politicians and other proponents of the lab-leak theory have issued fresh calls to punish Fauci, 85, and scientists his institute funded.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of proponents
Noun
  • Four decades after buying his first ring, Goodall remains the man trusted by boxing’s biggest promoters and biggest stars.
    — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 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 promoters
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
  • Videos showed police beating back agitators with batons and deploying anti-riot ordnance as the demonstrators chanted against the country's conservative Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in a massive political rally.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of agitators
Noun
  • Video from Reuters shows Houthi supporters in Yemen gathering in the capital Sanaa on Monday night praising the naval blockade.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Each was cast as the antagonist in the game that saw England’s exit, prompting invective from rival supporters on their return and a siege mentality in Manchester.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of supporters
Noun
  • Oil prices are rising after the United States conducted an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets and Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to disrupt a crucial escape hatch for Saudi Arabia’s oil exports.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Strait of Hormuz remains key A new pressure point could emerge for world energy markets as Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Monday a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of rebels
Noun
  • Global organizations navigate a complex landscape, prompting boards to evolve beyond traditional oversight into strategic provocateurs.
    — Anna Marks, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Just a funny parasocial back-and-forth between some of the most passionate fans in sports and one of the best provocateurs the SEC has seen since Steve Spurrier.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Definition of provocateurs
Noun
  • Canada were the biggest advocates, with 27 box-throws attempted.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Given the sensitivity of the case, and how its outcome will likely impact Francis’ legacy, any news about the Rupnik trial has been closely followed by victims and their advocates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of advocates
Noun
  • One of the insurgents, a doctoral student in sociology named Darializa Avila Chevalier, is far more emblematic of the DSA’s radicalism.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • So far though, the prediction market insurgents have not meaningfully cut into sportsbook profits.
    — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 17 July 2026
Definition of insurgents

Browse Nearby Words

instigator
instigators
instill
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Cite this Entry

“Instigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigators. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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