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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abets
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
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
-
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
School gardening also promotes an increase in vegetable consumption.—
Shelley Mitchell,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Heat Dairy and non-dairy yogurts are made through a fermentation process that promotes the growth of certain beneficial bacterial strains.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The dimness of the shuttle gallery also assists in the immersive fantasy, both as an artistic choice and a practical one due to the shuttle’s sensitivity to light.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The movie is adapted from the French novel of the same name (Le mage du Kremlin, in French) by author Giuliano de Empoli and casts Paul Dano as a fictional character named Vadim Baranov, who assists Putin in his rise to the center of Russia's government.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The council also encourages Gary leadership to participate in any IURC proceedings and asks for the Indiana General Assembly to biannually review utility delivery charge actions and pursue reforms.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For several years now, celebrities have been singing the praises of propranolol, a beta-blocker originally designed for heart conditions which also helps with anxiety.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
22 Apr. 2026
-
What keeps it from feeling too intense or drying for combination skin is the cushion of tea tree leaf water, which helps calm inflammation.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
