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
  • The deal came as Washington increased pressure on neighboring Rwanda over its support for M23 rebels, a dynamic analysts say may help explain Congo’s willingness to cooperate.
    — Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The fun way to approach this premise would be to focus on the rebels.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 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
  • James Fishback, a right-wing agitator who captured the imagination of Gen Z voters by throwing about racist and antisemitic comments, came in third with just over 10% of the vote.
    — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Tibbetts wants fans to blame outside agitators for ruining the league's momentum.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 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
  • In a statement at the time, Domenicali said that F1 respected the promoter’s choice to end its run in 2026.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit was filed Tuesday by Hyde Lane, the corporate entity for Demon Hunter, against Netflix, Netflix Studios and concert promoter AEG Presents.
    — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 21 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
  • The government said Khan’s supporters had begun gathering outside the private hospital in violation of the court order, which required them to stay away from the medical facility to avoid inconveniencing other patients.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Fabares was a longtime supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, after her mother was diagnosed with the disease in the early 1990s.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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