agitator

noun

ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈa-jə-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
Synonyms of agitatornext
: one that agitates: such as
a
: one who stirs up public feeling on controversial issues
political agitators
b
: a device or an apparatus for stirring or shaking

Synonyms of agitator

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Examples of agitator in a Sentence

The police arrested several anti-government agitators. a political agitator who led an unsuccessful revolt against the government
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also cited agitators moving between schools to encourage violence. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 Advertisement As protests intensified, state media unleashed a frenzied smear campaign, casting Egyptian protesters as foreign agents and outside agitators. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 The incident came as agitators against immigration adopt a confrontational new tactic of trying to stop the boats landing on England’s shores, clashing with police and rescue workers in the process. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Among the agitators were the workers at Sytin’s Moscow publishing house. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for agitator

Word History

Etymology

agitate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agitator was in 1663

Rhymes for agitator

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Browse Nearby Words

agitato
agitator
agitator feed
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Cite this Entry

“Agitator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agitator. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

agitator

noun
ag·​i·​ta·​tor ˈaj-ə-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce agitator (audio)
1
: a person who stirs up public feeling
2
: a device for stirring or shaking
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