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
• excite
• galvanize
• detonate
• enliven
• invigorate
• activate
• quicken
• energize
• set
• 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
• settle
• bridle
• calm
• quiet
• still
• tranquilize

2

as in to assist

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

• assist
• aid
• help
• support
• facilitate
• reinforce
• promote
• encourage
• endorse
• back
• prop (up)
• save
• bolster
• bear a hand
• backstop
• guide
• forward
• foster
• further
• sponsor
• comfort
• patronize
• sustain
• to stand one in good stead
• benefit
• rescue
• serve
• attend
• launch
• succor
• advance
• ease
• advise
• minister (to)
• champion
• mentor
• buttress
• nurture
• counsel
• hearten
• profit
• care (for)
• embolden
• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abet

But the smaller scope here abets sustained and meaningful engagement with some heartbreaking characters. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

With the goal of smuggling themselves to Turkey, the women are eventually found out for keeping a secret or two from the conspirators abetting their plan. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026

Some of the mayhem devolves into silliness, including a foot chase through Red Square (doubled by Budapest’s Heroes’ Square abetted with digital effects) and a vehicular chase in which Nick and Troy drive a nuclear missile launcher. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Under Nevada law, a person who aids or abets a murder can be held criminally responsible for the killing. — Chloe Melas, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026