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
-
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Deadline can reveal the first trailer for the radical love story revolving around Suzanne and undocumented migrant Osmane, whose relationship provokes a wave of anger and indignation all around them, forcing them to resist.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The tuber also provides vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, and fiber, which aids digestion, boosts satiety, and regulates blood sugar.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The calcium found in milk is also packaged with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Seaweed Night Cream hydrates skin, enhances skin tone and texture, promotes skin elasticity and increases firmness using collagen.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The egg-crate foam promotes airflow and cushions pressure points, and the zip-off cover is machine-washable for quick refreshes.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And along the outer forearm is the brachioradialis, which assists with elbow flexion, especially when your hand is in a neutral, thumbs-up position.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Choline assists with brain and spinal cord development and can be found in eggs, beans and nuts.—
Alex Crisp,
The Conversation,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The hotel encourages guests to turn off the lights, climate control systems, and water whenever they are not needed in an effort to conserve resources.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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That directional pressure mirrors the body’s natural flow patterns and encourages fluid to move centrally so it can be processed and eliminated.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The fund helps cover things like payroll and lease payments and prioritizes restaurants that don’t have a digital footprint or access to fundraising support.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Daily sun protection helps prevent further collagen breakdown, reduce pigmentation and dark spots, and protect against skin cancer.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 25,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abets. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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