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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abet Since October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the war in Gaza, violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank has surged, often aided or abetted by Israeli security forces. Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 12 July 2025 The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe. The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025 Schuman is charged with one count of making a fraudulent insurance benefit claim and one count of assisting, abetting, conspiring with and soliciting a person in unlawful act, according to officials. Julia Marnin july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 Pacific Beach’s single-family housing character is under siege by developers abetted by a handful of politicians, according to Neighbors for a Better California Chair Marcella Bothwell. Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • Casey Durkin—Bravo While Jax, surely at the urging of producers, tried to provoke Kristen by questioning her fertility choices, nothing major happened in the premiere.
    Judy Berman, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
  • As a futurist, my role was to provoke fresh insight and decisive action.
    Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Both players aided the Royals in a 6-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The sands have aided the survival of the wreck, which is roughly 50 to 65 feet underwater.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • On a societal level, bigger cars take up more public space, leaving less room for the livable, likeable city and promote urban sprawl.
    Mattias Goldmann, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In addition to Wicked: For Good, which premieres on Nov. 21, the Oscar winner is also busy promoting Ne Zha II.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Duke Energy personnel and Cincinnati Police will assist people driving in the Downtown area throughout construction.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Three engines from the Idaho Department of Lands, two U.S. Forest Service engines and a Forest Service crew responded to assist the Robie Creek Fire Department, the Thorn Creek Fire Department and the Wilderness Ranch Fire Department.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Those ordinary demands may encourage AI use even more.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The Terminator 2: Judgement Day star also shared encouraging words for others who might be struggling with their own mental health.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Associates and assistants can be on Zooms with us, and that does help.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Managers who can modernize properties without losing their charm can help property owners turn them into profitable rentals.
    Johan Hajji, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abet

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