INSTIGATE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'instigate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet , foment , and incite . While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. // instigated a conspiracy

Q: In what contexts can 'abet' take the place of 'instigate'?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'foment' instead of 'instigate'?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: When would 'incite' be a good substitute for 'instigate'?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt

Definition of instigate next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instigate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet, foment, and incite. While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

In what contexts can abet take the place of instigate?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When is it sensible to use foment instead of instigate?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would incite be a good substitute for instigate?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of instigate Take our once respected monarchy, for instance, which was instigated through a popular referendum as part of national independence in 1905. —

Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026 Fourth, special interest groups have been found to instigate coordinated efforts to influence the prominence of stories on social news sites for political or financial reasons. —

Steve Paulussen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 But eventually, the rain wound up instigating the first moment on the show that was truly Love Island. —

Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026 Settlers moving West had used various tactics since Colonial times to advance despite the presence of Native Americans, whether through legal moves such as treaties or by instigating conflicts, Andrews said. —

Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for instigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate

Verb

Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.

— Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Butler had pleaded guilty to harassment likely to provoke violence, felon in possession of a weapon and theft in Alaska, but did not report to jail.

— Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 12 June 2026