Synonyms for firebrand
Most common
instigator agitator provoker inciter radical trouble-maker torch incendiary
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Agitator
agitator, instigator, mischief-maker, provoker, inciter, instigant
2. Radical — an argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo
Other
brand, incendiary, torch, hoodlum, boutefeu dated
Definitions
- n. 1
An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.
The member of the college's Communist League was a firebrand who would launch a sit-in or protest march at a moment's notice.
- n. 2
A torch or other burning stick with a flame at one end.
The crowd cheered as a firebrand was tossed onto the huge pile of wood to start the traditional homecoming bonfire.
Forms
- Plural
- firebrands → agitators, instigators, mischief-makers, provokers…
Example sentences
- agitator The agitator is inclined to exaggerate trivial matters.
- radical She has a very radical opinion about the problem.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| firebrand | rising | |
| instigator | rising | |
| agitator | falling | |
| provoker | rising | |
| inciter | rising | |
| radical | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- brand1, torch1
- 7 letters
- radical3, hoodlum2, inciter
- 8 letters
- agitator4, provoker, boutefeu
- 9 letters
- instigant
- 10 letters
- incendiary5, instigator4
- 13 letters
- revolutionary6
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (radical3 = 3 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- brandon