Troublemaker: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used to describe someone who causes problems or disruptions, usually in a general sense. It is suitable for informal settings where the person is not necessarily inciting others but causing issues.

• Tom is such a troublemaker; he always finds a way to stir things up.
• The teacher had to talk to the troublemaker in the class about his behavior.

Use this word to refer to someone who initiates or provokes something, especially trouble or a quarrel. It carries a negative tone and implies a starting role in disturbances.

• As the instigator of the prank, Mike was held responsible for the chaos that ensued.
• The police identified the instigator of the fight and took him into custody.

This term fits when someone actively tries to incite others to protest or rebel, often used in political or social contexts. It has a somewhat negative connotation and implies intentional disturbance.

• The factory workers saw him as an agitator, always encouraging them to go on strike.
• She was labeled an agitator for her efforts to organize the community against the new policy.

This term is appropriate for someone who deliberately stirs up emotions, often among large groups, causing trouble or unrest. It has a clearly negative connotation and is typically used in political or social discussions.

• The politician was accused of being a rabble-rouser, inciting the crowd with inflammatory speeches.
• A noted rabble-rouser, he attended every protest to fuel the discontent among the people.

This word is often used to describe someone who causes problems or disruptions, generally in a social or group setting. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it doesn't necessarily imply criminal behavior.

• The new student turned out to be quite the troublemaker, always stirring up arguments.
• The project was delayed because of a troublemaker in the team.

This term is commonly used to describe a young person who has committed minor crimes or is involved in anti-social behaviors. It often carries a negative connotation and is typically used in legal or educational contexts.

• The school counselor has been working with the delinquent to improve his behavior.
• Juvenile delinquents often require more structured environments to thrive.

This word is usually employed to describe someone who engages in playful or harmless trouble. It often has a lighter, more humorous tone compared to 'troublemaker'.

• My younger brother is a real mischief-maker, always hiding my things for fun.
• During class, the mischief-maker glued the teacher’s chalk to the board as a prank.

Use this word to describe someone who opposes or defies authority or norms. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, from political contexts to personal attitudes, and may carry either a positive (standing up for one's beliefs) or negative (disruptive) connotation.

• As a teenager, she was a rebel who always challenged school rules.
• The political rebel led a movement to change the country's government.