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demagogue

[dem-uh-gog, -gawg] / ˈdɛm əˌgɒg, -ˌgɔg /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Mr. Johnson understands that a demagogue must be as entertaining as he is monstrous.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2025

But he also turned on his vice-president, reposting a comment on X in which she was labelled a "traitor, a demagogue and stupid in economic terms".

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2025

Washington, who transitioned seamlessly from general to president and back to private citizen, could easily imagine a demagogue giving in to the perilous temptation to use martial power as a political cudgel.

From Slate ● Feb. 17, 2025

Father and mother act like demagogue politicians, waving at crowds from balconies while relieving themselves of the burden of their impossible son.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2024

Debater,—convincing, 141-143; demagogue, exposes, 88; fairness in debate, 66; skill in, 175; youthful, 31, 47.

From Lincoln, the Politician by T. Aaron Levy

He said the corporation was "the best defence of truth and trust against the lies of dictators and demagogues".

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2025

Demonization and dehumanization are tried and true tactics of demagogues in every era.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2025

Racism has bedeviled this continent for centuries, but demagogues who seek power through raw resentment fail all the time.

From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2024

In this discourse, there is no self-determining collective subject in politics, only disembodied individuals held together by the allure of cults, demagogues and the strong odor of hate.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2022

Atticus Finch was right when he said the only good the University did Henry was let him make friends with Alabama’s future politicians, demagogues, and statesmen.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

At the same time, only a week ago, President Obama had praised Ryan as a "pretty sincere guy" and seemed to suggest Ryan's idea shouldn't be demagogued as "trying to hurt our senior citizens."

From Washington Post ● Feb. 5, 2010

Perhaps directness is what’s required for an issue that cries out for more listening and less demagoguing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2022




Vocabulary lists containing demagogue


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