Synonyms of abet

abet

verb

ə-ˈbet 

1

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to aid

to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end

car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aid
• assist
• help
• support
• facilitate
• reinforce
• promote
• encourage
• endorse
• back
• prop (up)
• save
• bolster
• bear a hand
• indorse
• guide
• backstop
• forward
• foster
• sponsor
• succor
• further
• comfort
• patronize
• sustain
• to stand one in good stead
• benefit
• rescue
• serve
• attend
• launch
• advance
• ease
• advise
• minister (to)
• champion
• mentor
• buttress
• reenforce
• nurture
• counsel
• profit
• hearten
• embolden
• care (for)
• oblige
• boost
• favor
• bail out
• deliver

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hinder
• restrain
• impede
• inhibit
• obstruct
• interfere
• oppose
• constrain
• thwart
• hamper
• balk
• block
• bar
• frustrate
• strangle
• hold back
• sabotage
• fail
• discourage
• handicap
• baffle
• foil
• disappoint
• inconvenience
• let down
• desert
• retard
• repress
• stifle
• injure
• hurt
• harm
• damage
• dishearten
• stunt
• straiten

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

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

instigated a conspiracy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abet

This one comes from Trump’s approach, abetted by Republicans in Congress, to the student loan crisis. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025

Jason Miller/Getty Images Those season pros helped point guard Cade Cunningham grow into an All-NBA talent, and abetted the growth of center Jalen Duren and shooting guard Jaden Ivey. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025

That includes some searing experiences with the corruption that sustains the drug trade, and a conviction that the United States cannot successfully fight the traffickers without also taking on the officials who abet their operations. —Tim Golden, ProPublica, 29 Apr. 2025

Axe and Carawan were both charged with felonious aiding and abetting escape and conspiracy to aid and abet escape. —Charna Flam, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025