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
Under Florida law, anyone who aids, abets or counsels someone in the commission of a crime may be considered a principal in the first degree.
—
Julia Shapero, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
The speed at which the system adjudicates cases benefits deserving victims but also abets fraud.
—Ike Brannon, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
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
Julia Shapero, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
The speed at which the system adjudicates cases benefits deserving victims but also abets fraud.
—Ike Brannon, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abets
Verb
-
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
18 June 2026
-
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
At the time, Aguilar had a job with Misericordia, which aids people with disabilities.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2026
-
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) are now developing an onboard drone that aids rescues without human intervention.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Similarly, fiber promotes satiety and fullness, as well as digestive health and regularity.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
20 June 2026
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This partly entails protection for refugees but also promotes border security and even migrant returns.—
Kelsey Norman,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
But the biggest milestone of the night was Clark reclaiming the top spot on the WNBA assists leaderboard.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
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Founded in 1975, Crisis Assistance Ministry assists families in the Charlotte area facing financial hardship.—
Laura Horne,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The flyer encourages students to celebrate the end of the school year after finals.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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When their biggest demonic enemy (Lee Byung-hun) encourages the formation of an equally popular K-pop boy band aimed at stealing the souls of their fans, the trio has to fight harder than ever to hold the demons at bay while keeping their friendship intact.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The physical connection is calming and helps bridge the gap between their world and yours.—
Kira Willey,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
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Don't worry about potential wardrobe malfunctions, as the skirt comes with a lining that helps prevent any possible see-through moments.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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