All instigator synonyms

noun instigator

• ringleader — a person who leads others, especially in opposition to authority, law, etc.: a ringleader of revolutionary activities.
• meddler — to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly: Stop meddling in my personal life!
• knave — an unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest person.
• rabble-rouser — a person who stirs up the passions or prejudices of the public, usually for his or her own interests; demagogue.
• firebrand — a piece of burning wood or other material.
• punk — Slang. something or someone worthless or unimportant. a young ruffian; hoodlum. an inexperienced youth. a young male partner of a homosexual. an apprentice, especially in the building trades. Prison Slang. a boy.
• incendiary — used or adapted for setting property on fire: incendiary bombs.
• inciter — to stir, encourage, or urge on; stimulate or prompt to action: to incite a crowd to riot.
• agitator — If you describe someone involved in politics as an agitator, you disapprove of them because of the trouble they cause in organizing campaigns and protests.
• mischief-maker — a person who causes mischief, especially one who stirs up discord, as by talebearing.
• hellion — a disorderly, troublesome, rowdy, or mischievous person.
• nuisance — an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc.: a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.
• provocateur — a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; agitator.
• agent provocateur — An agent provocateur is a person who is employed by the government or the police to encourage certain groups of people to break the law, so they can arrest them or make them lose public support.
• wise guy — Informal. a cocksure, conceited, and often insolent person; smart aleck: He has a reputation for being a wise guy.
• in flames — to kindle or excite (passions, desires, etc.).
• sparkplug — to lead, inspire, or animate something or someone.
• initiator — SCSI initiator
• prime mover — Mechanics. the initial agent, as wind or electricity, that puts a machine in motion. a machine, as a water wheel or steam engine, that receives and modifies energy as supplied by some natural source.
• mastermind — to plan and direct (a usually complex project or activity), especially skillfully: Two colonels had masterminded the revolt.
• troublemaker — a person who causes difficulties, distress, worry, etc., for others, especially one who does so habitually as a matter of malice.
• leader — a person or thing that leads.
• inflamer — (usually, figuratively) Something that inflames.