INSTIGATORS Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 instigators It was said in jest, yet the sport’s most audacious instigators might take him up on it. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigators

Noun

Despite a 25% decline in gold from its high in January, proponents of the precious metal are storming into bullish call positions after almost two months of sideways action gives way to a rally Friday following weak jobs data.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
But lawmakers appear to be turning to the provisions as a means of transitioning away from that model and toward what proponents, including Netanyahu, describe as a mutually beneficial defense partnership.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of proponents

Noun

Some of the speculation comes from state workers who are unhappy with the governor’s decision, the moderator said, but the subreddit’s activity also attracts outside agitators who are obviously not government employees.

— William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
Top-load washers with agitators or impellers clean tough fabrics well by physically moving clothes to loosen dirt.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 20 July 2026

Definition of agitators

Noun

Some Modi supporters have doubled down, however, with online activists aligned to Modi’s party seeking to identify protesters and share their personal details online to intimidate them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
If the constitutional amendment passes, supporters hope to elect at least four conservative, antiabortion justices to the seven-member court by 2033.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of supporters

Noun

Tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced as pro-democracy groups and ethnic rebels battle the military across the country.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Conflict began in the country in 2013 after mostly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then President François Bozizé to quit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebels

Noun

The faux outrage was egged on by professional right-wing provocateurs like Robby Starbuck, Benny Johnson and a leading investor in MAGA darling Steak n’ Shake.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Global organizations navigate a complex landscape, prompting boards to evolve beyond traditional oversight into strategic provocateurs.

— Anna Marks, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of provocateurs

Noun

The debate between Medicare for All and Medicare by Choice advocates is shaping up to be an interesting one in the coming years.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
But in Michigan and other battleground states the administration hopes to win over come the November midterms, state officials and Medicaid advocates are bracing for changes to Medicaid that will significantly alter enrollment rates and eligibility.

— Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of advocates

Noun

The attack occurred in Mastung, a district in Balochistan province where separatist insurgents have stepped up attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
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

Definition of insurgents

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“Instigators.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigators. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigators

noun

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