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
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Recent Examples of instigators
Naming an interstate war based on the state in which the war is fought – while omitting the name of outside instigators – implies the culpability of that state.
—
Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
One of the main instigators, Starboard Value, is back for more.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
And the main instigators are men.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.
—Terry Tang, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Guinan said Merriweather and Jermaine Matthews were both the instigators of the fight.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
One of the main instigators, Starboard Value, is back for more.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
And the main instigators are men.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
But that would do more harm, Nicole Lee said, disproportionately affecting young people of color and wrongfully assuming that youths are the main instigators of violence.
—Terry Tang, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Guinan said Merriweather and Jermaine Matthews were both the instigators of the fight.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigators
Noun
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Google is one of the most ardent proponents of generative AI technology, as evidenced by the recent launch of the Pixel 10 series.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Its research shows the new format is equally rigorous, and proponents say reading comprehension is better reflected in other parts of a college application.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When Sarah McLachlan first hatched the idea for the 1990s women-only Lilith Fair tour, concert promoters openly questioned whether female singer-songwriters could perform back to back on a traveling festival bill and sell enough tickets.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
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Important To The Event IndyCar and Penske Entertainment – the promoters of the Music City Grand Prix – indicated approximately 40,000 people were in attendance over the course of the two-day, Labor Day weekend event.—
Bruce Martin,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Sweet family defended themselves by firing shots and killing one of the agitators, which led to a murder trial.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Pastor John Hagee, the influential Founder and Chairman of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), said fringe online agitators and politicians are motivated by two distinct impulses in their attacks on Israel.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
How are Kirk’s supporters responding?—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Back in 2001, a group of Enfield FC supporters realised which way the wind was blowing — and how far away their team was going — and formed a breakaway club.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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North was convicted in 1989 on three felony charges for helping to arrange the illicit sale of weapons to Iran and divert the proceeds to fund a secret war against anti-communist Contra rebels in Nicaragua.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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North was part of the twin schemes to sell weapons to Iran and then use proceeds to fund anti-communist rebels, known as the Contras, in Nicaragua.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Given the peculiar recent musings of provocateurs like Tucker Carlson, the speech was timelier than ever.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
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So instead of making these obvious points to union provocateurs such as Davis Gates, our political leaders treat her with kid gloves.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is among those to have recently discussed this approach, which advocates say will enhance allied security by preventing Russian munitions from approaching NATO borders.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
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Legislative efforts, often spearheaded by 'English-only’ advocates, routinely failed in Congress.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This might enable a mission which, for example, a Viper is located covertly next to a safe house known to be used by insurgents.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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The state Republicans have routinely witnessed battles between far-right insurgents who in recent years have complained the party isn’t Trumpy enough and the financial institutional wing that has long been the GOP establishment and funded the party for decades.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigators. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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