Synonyms of incite

incite

verb

in-ˈsīt 

1

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• promote
• encourage
• raise
• trigger
• foment
• instigate
• stimulate
• stir (up)
• abet
• set in motion
• ferment
• cultivate
• whip (up)
• pick
• inspire
• brew
• foster
• motivate
• further
• nurture
• forward
• rouse
• nourish
• excite
• inflame
• sow
• galvanize
• set off
• detonate
• advance
• activate
• energize
• enflame
• enliven
• invigorate
• set
• quicken
• jazz (up)
• vitalize
• fire
• pep (up)
• liven (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• restrain
• regulate
• inhibit
• hold
• check
• constrain
• curb
• tame
• rein (in)
• allay
• subdue
• settle
• soothe
• calm
• bridle
• quiet
• still
• tranquillize
• tranquilize

2

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• inspire
• stir
• arouse
• excite
• motivate
• instigate
• spark
• induce
• move
• motive
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• trigger
• pique
• drive
• ignite
• impassion
• inflame
• galvanize
• anger
• foment
• activate
• energize
• enflame
• build a fire under
• animate
• set off
• bother
• vitalize
• enrage
• quicken
• kindle
• abet
• fan
• ferment
• annoy
• whip (up)
• key (up)
• upset
• aggravate
• taunt
• tease
• pump up
• irritate
• raise
• exasperate
• get
• jeer
• vex
• gall
• madden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquillize
• tranquilize
• mollify

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

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

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

While in some cases nearly identical to incite, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incite

Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown reached a flashpoint this week, inciting days-long protests first around Los Angeles and then, the country. —Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 14 June 2025

It's been inciting a lot of conversation, which is great. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 June 2025

While the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in December incited a fresh wave of public fury about denials, there is almost no hope of meaningful change on the horizon, said Jay Pickern, an assistant professor of health services administration at Auburn University. —Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025

While the event remained peaceful throughout the day, organizers feared that the online comments made by Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French on X would incite violence. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2025