instigator
Americannoun
-
instigators
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of instigator
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin instigātor, equivalent to instigāt(us) + -or -or 2 ( def. ); see instigate ( def. )
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.
See Examples For:
According to their coach, Romain Haguenauer, this change of music was the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation -- the instigator allegedly an American judge, a compatriot of Chock and Bates.
From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026
"It potentially acts as an instigator of early Alzheimer's pathology."
From Science Daily ● Dec. 22, 2025
Banjo and string player Matt Worley was “Saving Grace’s” musical instigator, approaching Plant at a pub.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025
But whether it is an unexpected jump in claims costs or lower premiums that are the instigator, the upshot is that auto-insurance underwriting might now be past its peak profitability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2025
He was a fast picker in the rows and a joyful instigator outside of them; he brought both kinds of dexterity to this night.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
Loyalist commanders estimate there were half-a-dozen coup instigators and perhaps 40 eager co-conspirators.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026
Intervention by the governor and community mediation efforts restored a fragile peace to the area, but the instigators of the violence remain at large.
From Barron's ● Feb. 26, 2026
But LeBron James, one of the instigators during that stretch, missed three point-blank looks at the basket with the Lakers needing to be perfect to have a real chance at a comeback.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2025
Melinda was supposedly one of the chief instigators of that court case.
From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2024
In 2012, several further studies corroborated these initial findings, strengthening the links between these variants of mental illness and family histories and deepening questions about their etiology, epidemiology, triggers, and instigators.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
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