Purveyors of provocative posts

TROLLS

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n**\"They lurk online, stirring up trouble with their comments.\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of disruptive online behavior without directly repeating the original clue or giving away the answer. It’s easier than the original but still requires a bit of thought to connect to \"TROLLS.\""]

The clue **"Purveyors of provocative posts"** leads to the answer **"TROLLS"** through a combination of definition and modern internet culture. - **Definition**: "Trolls" are individuals who deliberately post inflammatory or provocative content online to provoke reactions or disrupt discussions. - **Wordplay/Cultural Reference**: The term "troll" in internet slang refers to someone who engages in such behavior, making it a fitting answer for those who "purvey" (provide or spread) "provocative posts." Thus, the clue cleverly hints at the answer by describing the behavior associated with internet trolls.