demagogue

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

NOUN

agitating person

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitator firebrand

STRONG

fanatic fomenter hothead incendiary inciter instigator politician rabble-rouser radical rebel revolutionary troublemaker

WEAK

haranger inflamer soapbox orator

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.

The story relates Laxman’s making as a demagogue, dwelling on the years in which he used his extended family as a kind of training ground for his megalomania.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

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

Watson was an effective demagogue because he practiced a politics of anger in an era that demanded it.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2024

It was a speech you might expect from any demagogue.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2024

But the internal danger, with which they were menaced by the army and its daring demagogue, induced them to prevaricate as soon as Mr. Slidell presented his credentials for reception.

From Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican Vol. 1 of 2 A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time; With a View of the Ancient Aztec Empire and Civilization; A Historical Sketch of the Late War; And Notices of New Mexico and California by Mayer, Brantz

Vocabulary lists containing demagogue

100 Top "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Federalist Papers, No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!