incite

verb

in·cite | \ in-ˈsīt

incited; inciting

Definition of incite

transitive verb

: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on

Other Words from incite Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about incite

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Other Words from incite

incitant \ in-ˈsī-tᵊnt

\ noun

incitement \ in-ˈsīt-mənt

\ noun

inciter noun

Choose the Right Synonym for incite

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. inciting a riot instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. instigated a conspiracy abet implies both assisting and encouraging. aiding and abetting the enemy foment implies persistence in goading. fomenting rebellion

Examples of incite in a Sentence

The news incited widespread fear and paranoia. the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson’s policy arguably helped incite the white mobs who murdered scores of black men and women in Memphis and New Orleans in 1866. — Michael Kazin, The New Republic, "The Impossibility of Impeachment," 10 June 2019 As for why the scandal fizzled in 2005 and exploded in 2014, chalk it up to social media and the internet for spreading the word and inciting a response. — Longreads, "How the Cosby Story Finally Went Viral — And Why It Took So Long," 7 June 2019 They were ordered back to prison in early 2016 to serve out five-year sentences in a case that incited right-wing militias and inspired the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which abuts the Hammond family ranch. — oregonlive.com, "Judge temporarily halts grazing on federal public land near Burns," 4 June 2019 At last, Chris unravels what drove him to kidnap a 22-year-old and incite an international incident: guilt. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Black Mirror Season 5, Episode 2 Recap: "Smithereens"," 31 May 2019 There were productions that challenged our nation's current abuse of the Second Amendment, put drag queens at center stage, and incited pangs of unease over the adolescent-experience. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Anna Wintour and Bee Carrozzini Host a Dinner in Honor of the Tony Awards," 20 May 2019 Alex Jones, the shouty man behind InfoWars and a Sandy Hook truther, took to Twitter at the start of last week to try and incite more fear amongst his fanbase. — Graeme Mcmillan, WIRED, "While You Were Offline: Man, Twitter Loves a Good Civil War Meme, Huh?," 8 July 2018 The nationalism Chiang tried to incite to keep liberalism at bay is echoed in Mr Xi’s China, too. — The Economist, "The next sunriseIdeas from abroad take time to percolate," 17 May 2018 Anyone caught trying to incite the audience to clap by demonstrating the very same clap over their heads? — azcentral, "Innings Festival Day 2: Avett Brothers' unstoppable rally, Gin Blossoms' hometown heroes welcome," 25 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.