as in rebel
a person who stirs up public feelings especially of discontent
a calculating provocateur, she has made a career out of controversy for its own sake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 provocateur
In a flash, the internet provocateur struck with a loaded punch, dropping Styles to the mat.
—
Russ Weakland, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The hip hop provocateur assured worried fans that everything was OK.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2025
Throughout her tenure in the lower chamber, Crockett has emerged as a provocateur, boosting her profile within the Democratic party over the last year.
—Sophia Vento, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025
She’s since parlayed that viral fame into a new life as a far-right provocateur, wholeheartedly embracing Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 campaign.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocateur
Russ Weakland, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The hip hop provocateur assured worried fans that everything was OK.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2025
Throughout her tenure in the lower chamber, Crockett has emerged as a provocateur, boosting her profile within the Democratic party over the last year.
—Sophia Vento, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025
She’s since parlayed that viral fame into a new life as a far-right provocateur, wholeheartedly embracing Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 campaign.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocateur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocateur
Noun
-
Set in a crumbling Japanese metropolis rebuilt after a devastating explosion, Akira follows teenage rebels Kaneda and Tetsuo as secret government experiments unleash psychic forces capable of unmaking the world.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
21 May 2025
-
In response, the commanders decide to meet in Washington D.C., and Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) finally chooses a side once and for all and gives up their plan to June (Elisabeth Moss) and the fellow rebels.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The death of the 25-year-old British professional boxer was announced on Thursday, May 22, by her promoter, Boxxer, in a statement obtained by The Guardian.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
23 May 2025
-
Listen to this article 3 min Professional boxer Georgia O'Connor, 25, has died after a bout with cancer, the professional boxer's promoter, Boxxer, said.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Listen to this article Charges have been dropped against a police agitator accused of trying to break into an NYPD officer’s Brooklyn home after prosecutors reviewed video of a protest outside the cop’s house.—
Julian Roberts-Grmela,
New York Daily News,
23 May 2025
-
Once the agitators calmed down, the acting president was able to get through her final points.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
While proponents argue that these measures will reduce regulatory delays and bolster U.S. technological leadership, there will no doubt be concerns about potential compromises to safety and the undermining of regulatory independence.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
But with three weeks left in the regular session, proponents are still trying to figure out what — if any — changes may move forward this year.—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
The two men will go into the second round of voting on June 1, hoping to draw voters from other minor candidates, among them a significant bloc which voted for far-right firebrand Slawomir Mentzen, who came third with 14.8%.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
21 May 2025
-
What To Know According to the survey, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tops the list as the face of the Democratic Party, with 26 percent choosing the progressive firebrand.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
The site, frequented by far-right supporters of the president, has been used to spread conspiracy theories.—
Neil Vigdor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Jenkins is the latest pardon Trump has given to loyal supporters.—
Martha Bellisle,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
But responsible bi-partisan crafting when Congress still functioned cannot resist demagogues.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
18 May 2025
-
But critics regard him as a demagogue who relies on stoking divisions and demonizing his rivals.—
Time,
Time,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For decades, the Philippine armed forces battled insurgents in the southern reaches of the archipelago.—
ELY RATNER,
Foreign Affairs,
27 May 2025
-
The insurgents have become the establishment, and the purpose of the establishment is always to protect itself.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocateur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocateur. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share