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
-
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
-
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
-
Sleep aids all work to help relax your body and improve your sleep in different ways.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
According to Cubalex, a nonprofit organization that promotes human rights, nearly 160 protests have been reported across Cuba since March 6.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The organization is a movement with Christian ties that promotes peace, justice and equality.—
Laura Turbay,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Holloway tallies assists and makes space off the dribble.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Last weekend, Smith set the Big Ten Tournament assists record while helping Purdue beat Michigan for the championship.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The law also prohibits the development of AI that encourages a person to commit suicide, harm themselves, harm another person or engage in criminal activity.—
SEUNG MIN KIM,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Aside from no-single-use plastics in rooms and the touches mentioned previously, 1 Hotels’ universal 1 Less Thing initiative encourages guests to leave an item of clothing behind that will be donated to a local charity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Winter rainfall, which helps support deep roots and healthy growth, also fell short.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
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The service While there isn’t a traditional concierge desk, the front desk team helps guests book activities and navigate the unique and buzzy local scene.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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