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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 Being successful in America, according to Part II, inherently means becoming the bad guy, and Francis Ford Coppola mourns that fact, abetted by arguably Pacino’s finest, most sorrowful performance as a man who sells every bit of his soul to maintain his power. Will Leitch, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 This, too, is abetted by supporters — critics would deride them as useful idiots — who downplay or else rationalize questionable decision-making as five-dimensional chess. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 For the small-scale paintings, being mysterious and also chic are only abetting sales. Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Related Articles Washington University in St. Louis has quietly opened its doors to Jewish students leaving uncomfortable campuses At the same time, the Trump administration has escalated pressure on pro-Palestinian protesters and schools seen as abetting them. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s comments have provoked a strong reaction, including boycotts on U.S. goods and protests.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The investigation was aided by a confidential informant — one of Gonzalez’s former friends who got busted, according to court records.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To help aid this process, Chelsea Women are now operating independently from the men’s team and appointed Aki Mandhar, formerly of The Athletic, as their first-ever dedicated CEO.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Infielder David Villar was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Aguilera, 22, enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May 2024, according to the Marine 1st Division.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That came after a two-goal and one assist performance in Game 2, and a two-assist night in Game 1.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The Trump administration first designated the Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization in 2021, but the designation was revoked by Democratic President Joe Biden, largely to assist with Yemen's humanitarian crisis, often described as one of the worst in the world.
    Neda Ulaby, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • For example, a VP of sales looking at declining numbers could stop themselves from commanding their team to call an additional 50 leads by the end of week and instead encourage their sales team to be more proactive.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This helps put big companies and small companies on a level playing field.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Those advantages paired with 14 Heat turnovers helped the Cavaliers win the possession battle, taking eight more field-goal attempts and four more free throws than Miami.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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