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
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This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
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His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
Verb
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These can help keep the right amount of chlorine in your pool, which aids in sanitation and keeping algae at bay.
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While largely vestigial in humans, its equivalent in animals like dogs channels moisture or aids feeding.
Verb
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Fiber helps support digestive health, promotes fullness, and may contribute to healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
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The Roots 101 African American Museum promotes an understanding and appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and art, as does the Muhammad Ali Center.
Verb
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Wells is also currently a member of Blacks in Politics and the African American Black Business Expo Committee, serves as the secretary for Friends of LaSalle Street Historic Auto Row, and assists Progressive Baptist Church’s women’s ministry and children’s church, the release said.
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Scott Ford is the deputy director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, a nonprofit that assists the region’s businesses.
Verb
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Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
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Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data.
Verb
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There are growing concerns and confusion over Sacramento's new emergency shelter voucher program that helps homeless families.
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This helps balance immediate compensation needs with longer-term success metrics.
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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