PROVOCATEUR Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

provocateur

noun

prō-ˌvä-kə-ˈtər

Definition of provocateur

as in rebel

a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent a calculating provocateur, she has made a career out of controversy for its own sake

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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 provocateur Global organizations navigate a complex landscape, prompting boards to evolve beyond traditional oversight into strategic provocateurs. — Anna Marks, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Objection’s Founder and CEO is Aron D’Souza, an Australian entrepreneur and provocateur best known as the mastermind behind Thiel’s litigation strategy against Gawker, which involved a patient, extensive search for the ideal proxy plaintiff to sink the online news outlet. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026 Wilde’s character, who is a boundary-pushing artist and provocateur, pairs the intimates with a matching swipe of red lipstick, black liquid eyeliner, and a black leather belt and skirt. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 June 2026 The Human Is Staying In The Picture (Mostly) Screenwriter and director Paul Schrader, at nearly 80 years old an unlikely technology provocateur, delivered a talk at AI on the Lot peppered with pot-stirring takes. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocateur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocateur

Noun

The Houthi rebels have long been backed by Iran and reviled by Saudi Arabia.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Further complicating exports, Yemen's Houthi rebels are now disrupting shipping in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, targeting Saudi tankers and threatening an alternative oil route.

— Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of rebel

Noun

No experienced concert promoter books talent by follower count.

— Ramin Seyed, Forbes.com, 20 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 promoter

Noun

Naturally, Cornyn’s increasing role as a White House agitator and swing vote hasn’t gone over well with the MAGA base.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
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

Definition of agitator

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 proponent

Noun

The speech that followed created the perception of her as a firebrand, but those who have followed her career closely have found a more circumspect figure.

— Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
Widdecombe’s death has shaken British politics, silencing a longtime conservative voice from Parliament and Europe who later became a Reform UK firebrand remembered by friends for personal warmth and sharp humor.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of firebrand

Noun

Club legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Phil Thompson and Tash Dowie will be on the trip to attend various meet-and-greet events with sponsors and supporters.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Party leaders, Wangchuk’s wife and supporters accuse authorities of ‘abducting’ him to stifle a growing protest movement, as police flood main protest with barricades and paramilitary forces.

— Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of supporter

Noun

The Constitution was crafted out of fear — fear of concentrated power, factional dominance, corruption, demagogues, unchecked executives, and the use of public office for personal gain.

— Paul Oestreicher, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
But those standards can be easily stretched by demagogues, and a simple majority on the committee is enough to ban a party, though a panel of nine Supreme Court justices can overturn the decision on appeal.

— Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Definition of demagogue

Noun

While at the park, he’s caught in a police sweep and counterprotest that turns violent; one protester’s eye is liquefied.

— Carolyn Kellogg, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
In late May, a video spread across Albanian social media of private security guards dragging a protester across the beach at the wetlands.

— Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026

Definition of protester

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provisos

provocateur

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“Provocateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocateur. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocateur

noun

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