Synonym Chooser

How does the verb foment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foment are abet, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would abet be a good substitute for foment?

The words abet and foment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

Where would incite be a reasonable alternative to foment?

The words incite and foment can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could instigate be used to replace foment?

The meanings of instigate and foment largely overlap; however, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

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 foment India accuses Pakistan of fomenting violence, a charge denied by Islamabad. Time, 25 Apr. 2025 They're being attacked for this entirely fake reason that's furthermore fomenting antisemitism in the United States. Destinee Adams, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025 The concerns have fomented a crusade against seed oils on social media. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 By then, the prosecutor general had charged Bolsonaro and thirty-three others with fomenting a coup. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foment
Verb
  • But if Washington follows a few principles, such improvements will not necessarily provoke Chinese aggression.
    Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
  • Doctors gave her Pitocin, a medication used to provoke contractions, and a Foley balloon, which is a catheter-​like device that gets the cervix to dilate.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Plus, hair loss treatments do so much more than promote hair growth, which usually takes a couple of months to see.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • Hamburg have only just been promoted after seven years away.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foment. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on foment

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