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
-
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
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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
-
The nearly 3-minute song promotes confidence and self-expression with an upbeat tune.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
But, what a lot of the longevity industry promotes offers drops in the bucket while things that can have the greatest impact go undervalued, Swisher said.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The center assists congregations through three strategies designed to boost rural synagogues.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Griffins own and operate The Caring Place, an Allentown nonprofit that assists with food and shelter needs for people in crisis.—
Terra Sullivan,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Referred to as micro-celebrations, this trend encourages us to get together more frequently and, sometimes, just because.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
9 Apr. 2026
-
While Mars wants to sprint forward, Luna encourages strategy, discipline and pragmatism.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Prior to the vote, local officials and other local leaders took no chances and got involved in a campaign that included social media ads and mailers to voters to communicate how the revenue benefits the city and helps cover an array of services.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
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Moisturizer Moisturizer hydrates your skin and helps maintain the skin barrier.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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