rabble-rouser

noun

rab·​ble-rous·​er ˈra-bəl-ˌrau̇-zər How to pronounce rabble-rouser (audio)
Synonyms of rabble-rousernext
: one that stirs up the masses of the people (as to hatred or violence)
rabble-rousing
ˈra-bəl-ˌrau-ziŋ How to pronounce rabble-rouser (audio)
noun or adjective

Synonyms of rabble-rouser

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Examples of rabble-rouser in a Sentence

rabble-rousers inciting hungry people in breadlines to demand social justice
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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.
Being put on some list of rabble-rousers? — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2026 And still the Swedish rabble-rousers endure. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rabble-rouser

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rabble-rouser was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

rabble-rouse
rabble-rouser
rabboni
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Cite this Entry

“Rabble-rouser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabble-rouser. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rabble-rouser

noun
rab·​ble-rous·​er
ˈrab-əl-ˌrau̇-zər
: a person who stirs up the people especially to hatred or violence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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