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

Examples of abet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than sticking with the principal shooter theory, Sharp said the assistant U.S. Attorney went with the theory of Peltier aiding and abetting. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 19 June 2024

But as our research found over the last year and a half, people are very resistant to that change and there are forces that are eating and abetting that resistance. —Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024

Instead of abetting unrealistic assumptions about the suitability of the PA as a governing authority, the Palestinian people should build on this rare moment of solidarity to create what they have been committed to, and denied, for decades. —Raja Khalidi, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2024

Restrictions on reporting have largely obscured the catastrophic toll of Sudan’s war, abetting international neglect. —Hafiz Haroun, Washington Post, 19 July 2024