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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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After Pericles’ death from plague in 429 B.C., rhetorical and political authority is seized by Cleon, an upstart demagogue who is the “most violent person in Athens” and “the most persuasive.”

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 21, 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

“Parade,” which delves into antisemitism, systemic bias in our judicial system and the power of a wily demagogue to stoke atavistic hatred for self-gain, has a disconcerting timeliness.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 20, 2025

Lines like that, though, do not do Miller justice, as either a villain, a demagogue, or a policymaker.

From Slate Jan. 20, 2025

These, and some other like occurrences in his life, have led candid observers to regard Sir Francis Burdett as something of a demagogue.

From Sketches of Reforms and Reformers, of Great Britain and Ireland by Henry B. Stanton

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

From BBC Aug. 20, 2025

Comedies like “The Acharnians” and “Lysistrata” critiqued ongoing wars, while “The Knights” ridiculed demagogues such as Cleon.

From Salon Apr. 13, 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

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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