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
  • In her 1974 novel The Hearing Trumpet, a nonagenarian vegetarian heroine named Marian rebels against patriarchal institutions.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Al-Sharaa ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 in an offensive led by HTS rebels.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 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
  • At 6-10 and 250 pounds, Freedom looks like an unfamiliar agitator.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For several years before the IAU vote, there had been agitators among the astronomical community lobbying for our solar system's nine worlds to become eight, and for Pluto's planetary status to be revoked.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Aug. 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
  • The mere existence of such a network, proponents say, would give would-be criminals pause, knowing there’s nowhere to run without being watched.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The memo is a bit surprising considering Gates still advises Microsoft, one of the major proponents of the technology, and an investor in OpenAI.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of proponent
Noun
  • Who might emerge as the provocateur of the Premier League touchline and who might cast dark aspersions in press conferences?
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Donalds defeated several primary challengers, including far-right online provocateur James Fishback.
    — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 19 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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