DEMAGOGUES Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

demagogues

noun

variants also demagogs

plural of demagogue

as in agitators

a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent that politician is just a demagogue who preys upon people's fears and prejudices

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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 demagogues Unsheltered intertwined two plots related to the precarity of American life and the danger of demagogues — one set at the dawn of the MAGA era. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 This included understanding the history of democratic ideas and practical governance, as well as the need to protect minority groups and the dangers posed by demagogues. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026 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 But demeaning our brand through association with vulgar demagogues is a losing strategy. — Alma Hernandez, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026 Does the rise of right-wing demagogues offer chilling parallels to the Pinochet era? — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 Leftist demagogues specialize in lose-lose-lose policies. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026 Certainly Arendt, who lived through arguably darker times, did not see them as merely a product of the era’s monstrous demagogues. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demagogues

Noun

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

Definition of agitators

Noun

Ethiopian Airlines had suspended flights to Mekelle and the Tigrayan cities of Axum and Shire after the rebels seized the airport.

— Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
While the British prevailed over the rebels, the uprising laid the foundations for African nationalism.

— Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rebels

Noun

The movie’s proponents also stressed that the film industry was an economic engine for the city.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
On the other side of the campaign, John Adams was labeled by Jefferson's proponents as a monarchist with aspirations to become king of the new United States.

— Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of proponents

Noun

They’re seen as oligarchs, as the people with wealth and power, controlling our lives—not as outsider insurgents.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
International sanctions persisted, and PF’s ZANLA and ZIPRA insurgents continued their liberation war.

— Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of insurgents

Noun

The measure has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that early intervention could reduce per-student costs over time and opponents saying property owners already face rising costs and the district should use existing resources.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Clark supporters argued one game was insufficient for an ejectable non-basketball act.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporters

Noun

Two vocal supporters of Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Xavier Becerra filed a formal campaign finance complaint against his rival, Steve Hilton, on Tuesday over the Republican campaign’s use of paid online promoters.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Fears about a future AI apocalypse distract us from its present-day harms — just as its promoters hope.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of promoters

Noun

In a moment when voters increasingly reward populist firebrands, Becerra presents as calm, workmanlike, and maybe a little boring.

— Ben Paviour August 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
If the conservative base continues to demand ideological purity, pushing polarizing firebrands into a general election, the result will always be an immediate, lopsided blowout.

— Dain Fitzgerald, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of firebrands

Noun

Hilton’s edgy attitude and pugnacious put-downs would place him right at home among the network’s collection of trolls, provocateurs and Democrat-bashing gargoyles.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
The faux outrage was egged on by professional right-wing provocateurs like Robby Starbuck, Benny Johnson and a leading investor in MAGA darling Steak n’ Shake.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of provocateurs

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“Demagogues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demagogues. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of demagogues

noun

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