Word
propagandist
Phoneticspro·pa·gan·dist, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹɑpəˈɡændəst/
UK/pɹˌɒpɐɡˈændɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who creates or spreads information that is designed to influence how people think. This information is often biased or misleading and is used to support a political cause or government.
n. a person who disseminates information, ideas, or rumours deliberately to further a specific cause or damage an opposing one. Often carries a negative connotation of manipulation or intellectual dishonesty.
Examples
“The government hired a propagandist to improve its public image.”
“During the war, each side employed a chief propagandist to ensure the citizens remained loyal and supportive of the military effort.”
“Historians often debate whether the filmmaker was a true believer in the regime's ideology or merely a talented propagandist seeking professional advancement.”
Examples
simple
“The government hired a propagandist to improve its public image.”
contextual
“During the war, each side employed a chief propagandist to ensure the citizens remained loyal and supportive of the military effort.”
complex
“Historians often debate whether the filmmaker was a true believer in the regime's ideology or merely a talented propagandist seeking professional advancement.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “propagandist” in context.
Verb
01. denounce as propagandist
“The reporter was denounced as a propagandist by the opposition party.”
verb + prep + noun
02. expose propagandist
“Independent journalists worked tirelessly to expose the propagandists behind the fake news site.”
verb + noun
03. propagandist claims
“The propagandist claims that the economy is booming despite evidence to the contrary.”
noun + verb
04. propagandist targets
“The propagandist targets younger audiences through viral social media videos.”
noun + verb
05. recruit propagandist
“The intelligence agency attempted to recruit propagandists to influence foreign elections.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. chief propagandist
“As the party's chief propagandist, she controlled all state-run media outlets.”
adj + noun
07. effective propagandist
“To be an effective propagandist, one must simplify complex issues into slogans.”
adj + noun
08. skilled propagandist
“He was a skilled propagandist who knew exactly how to manipulate public emotion.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. tool for propagandist
“The national broadcaster became a convenient tool for the state propagandist.”
noun + prep + noun
10. act as a propagandist for
“He was accused of acting as a propagandist for the rebel forces.”
11. dismissed as mere propagandist rhetoric
“The official statement was dismissed as mere propagandist rhetoric by international observers.”
12. hired as a government propagandist
“Several former editors were hired as government propagandists to improve the country's image.”
Usage
Often used as a pejorative to discredit an opponent's messaging.
Real-World Examples
“The exhibit - "State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda" - provides insights into how propagandists seek to influence politics around the world.” “Kiselyov, widely seen as one of Putin's primary propagandists, hosts a weekly news program that harshly criticizes the West, supports Putin's agenda, portrays Ukraine as dominated by extremists, and endorses Russia's actions during the crisis.” Etymology
From propaganda + -ist, after French propagandiste.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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