rabble-rouser

noun

ˈra-bəl-ˌrau̇-zər How to pronounce rabble-rouser (audio)
Definition of rabble-rousernext
as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent rabble-rousers inciting hungry people in breadlines to demand social justice

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 rabble-rouser Bryce Young makes the placid Brock Purdy look like a rabble-rouser at the podium. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 22 Nov. 2025 There are also rabble-rousers at the site, yelling expletives as heavily armed federal officers survey them on the sidewalk from a perch up on the roof. — Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025 Most of these commentators, influencers, and rabble-rousers operate outside the mainstream-media spotlight, yet their influence is vast, shaping how the next generation thinks about race, gender, government, and truth itself. — Clara Molot, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025 But the hard-right caucus, typically the House rabble-rousers and thorns in Johnson’s side, are all-in on the rescissions package as vocal supporters of DOGE. — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rabble-rouser
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rabble-rouser
  1. rebel
  2. firebrand
  3. agitator
  4. demagogue
  5. promoter
  6. proponent
  7. provocateur
  8. supporter
Noun
  • So there is such a powerful underline of her character, this sort of fierce rebel constantly wanting to find out the truth, constantly aware of her surroundings, aware of everything.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside Garfield’s Ploughman is Cosmo Jarvis as the true historical figure Wat Tyler, Jamie Bell as clergyman John Ball and Thomasin McKenzie as fellow rebel Alyce.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of rebel
Noun
  • Our reading list spanned the spectrum from GOP strategist Richard Viguerie and evangelical firebrand Francis Schaeffer to academic analysts like Erling Jorstad and George Marsden.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Can Democratic firebrand Angie Nixon win in deep-red Florida?
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of firebrand
Noun
  • The agitator never appeared, but the threat left the staff on edge throughout the day.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Connor Clattenburg is a throwback player who can play agitator and enforcer and chip in with goals.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of agitator
Noun
  • In recent years, totalizing ideologies such as communism, fascism, and Islamism have found dedicated audiences on social media, and the proliferation of demagogues manipulating people for malign ends is an ever-present worry.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And as Netanyahu’s coalitions hardened Schleien’s programs became edgier, skewering Netanyahu sycophants in the Likud Party, anti-élitist demagogues, cultic settlers, and rabbinic mandarins.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of demagogue
Noun
  • The camera spins on its own ketamine high as Peter (Firstman), party promoter extraordinaire and generous drug dealer, kicks off another evening.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Famed Phoenix concert promoter is selling 50 years of music history Foodies are crashing out over Michelin snub.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of promoter
Noun
  • What may be alarming to proponents of data privacy is exciting for marketers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Her departure follows a career shift from a respected business journalist to a proponent of conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the 2020 election.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • As social media evolved, Kiffin innovated, without regret, as the sport’s biggest poster and provocateur.
    — Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • British provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos – who built his career in America through controversial public speaking that appealed to the far right, including calls for aggressive immigration enforcement – now faces deportation from the United States.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocateur
Noun
  • His supporters say the condemnation is merely a sign of Crump’s skill.
    — Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Among those younger supporters is Matt Kelly, president of the UMass Lowell College Democrats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of supporter

Browse Nearby Words

rabblement
rabble-rouser
rabble-rousers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rabble-rouser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rabble-rouser. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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