1
as in provokes
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in aids
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abets
As Abel-Fattah repeatedly told her censors, all her previous criticism has been directed at either the state of Israel, or the political ideology that abets genocide.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2026
And yet his father, Martin Jarvis (Jonathan Banks), the original magnate, reluctantly, almost as penance for unleashing this child unto the world, abets the sociopathy of his son.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 2026
And yet his father, Martin Jarvis (Jonathan Banks), the original magnate, reluctantly, almost as penance for unleashing this child unto the world, abets the sociopathy of his son.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abets
Verb
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At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
21 Mar. 2026
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What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This element aids the MEU with support such as medical and dental assistance, motor transport, supply, equipment maintenance and landings.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
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Sleep aids all work to help relax your body and improve your sleep in different ways.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Vitamin C Super Serum+ promotes a more youthful and healthy-looking complexion by improving the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, revealing smoother and brighter-looking skin.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
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The steamy climate, which promotes overgrown plant life, doesn’t help.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The position also assists in training curriculum development, revisions, and project coordination to support the training needs of county In Home Supportive Services staff and internal Adult Program Division staff.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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Airport turmoil An airport agent assists travelers with the long lines early Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Haller encourages anyone with an early or strong family history of colon cancer to talk to their doctor and get screened even earlier.—
Emily McLeod,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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As Adam reenters the dating world, his sister encourages him to view it as a fresh start, and scenic designer Milo Bue visually evokes the idea of a blank slate by employing off-whites and greys for Adam’s studio apartment in New York City.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Regardless of the outcome, Thune said that the vote helps Republicans go back on offense after weeks of intraparty tensions over the SAVE America Act.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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Jerry Lewis was the executive director of the 1901 Community Implementation Committee, which helps coordinate project updates, community engagement and leadership connections associated with the 1901 Project, according to the committee’s website.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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