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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 The culture of criticism, abetted by new technology, isn’t going away. Big Think, 13 Aug. 2025 The acute worry prompted by last week's steep downward revisions to payroll growth since the spring was allayed by resurgent market expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, abetted by a chorus of more dovish rhetoric. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2025 Two other charges in the case — abetting second-degree robbery and aiding and abetting threats of violence — were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, which also included the length of his prison term. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025 In a friends in the city yarn, onscreen or in print, a loose frame can abet episodic story-telling. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • Every action provokes a reaction.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Their works laid the foundation for a genre that continues to evolve, provoke, and inspire.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The road to all these riches was aided by CBS’ failure to have the leverage of a backup plan for Romo five years ago.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Another strategy that might be employed by a therapist involves setting up behavioral experiments to aid in reducing AI usage and AI reliance.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, the president’s criticism of mail-in ballots could risk disrupting the inroads Republicans made with voters last cycle, with the party spending millions promoting mail-in ballots ahead of the 2024 election.
    Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It was created with the intention of promoting AI fluency and a future-ready, AI-confident workforce.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Multiple authorities had assisted in the search, including several fire departments, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Heavy equipment has been shifted from other parts of the fire to assist with removal of fuels.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Supporters argue the task force helped modernize parts of the justice system and address racial disparities.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Under captain Eric Brown, the GB&I team was even instructed not to help opponents search for lost balls.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abet

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