1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigate
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
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Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
In fact, many of the posters, my colleagues and I have noticed, seem to be marked with verbatim messages in similar handwriting; had Schiffmann not only courted the vandalism but also instigated it?
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
The man injured in the incident is suing Sanchez and FOX Corporation, alleging the former NFL player instigated a violent confrontation, KREM TV in Indianapolis reported Monday.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
In fact, many of the posters, my colleagues and I have noticed, seem to be marked with verbatim messages in similar handwriting; had Schiffmann not only courted the vandalism but also instigated it?
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
The man injured in the incident is suing Sanchez and FOX Corporation, alleging the former NFL player instigated a violent confrontation, KREM TV in Indianapolis reported Monday.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
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Not retaining his services would have provoked outrage.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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But the forcefulness of pastors' rhetoric about Kirk has provoked conflicting feelings for some believers.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
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After decades of ignoring advances in data and analytics and mainly promoting from within, the Rockies seem intent on hiring an outsider to be their new head of baseball operations, after dismissing general manager Bill Schmidt at the start of October.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This powerhouse ingredient, beloved by dermatologists and editors alike, is known for its ability to speed cell turnover and, in doing so, stimulate collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
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Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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