Synonyms of foments

foments

verb

present tense third-person singular of foment

as in provokes

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

John Adams's wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would "foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provokes
• promotes
• encourages
• raises
• incites
• triggers
• instigates
• abets
• stimulates
• ferments
• cultivates
• sets in motion
• stirs (up)
• brews
• fosters
• whips (up)
• picks
• furthers
• nurtures
• inspires
• nourishes
• motivates
• sows
• inflames
• rouses
• detonates
• advances
• excites
• activates
• sets off
• forwards
• enlivens
• energizes
• invigorates
• quickens
• galvanizes
• vitalizes
• sets
• fires
• peps (up)
• livens (up)
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inhibits
• discourages
• regulates
• holds
• restrains
• constrains
• curbs
• tames
• reins (in)
• checks
• subdues
• soothes
• settles
• calms
• allays
• quiets
• bridles
• stills
• tranquilizes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foments

But on Monday, there was only that pit-of-your-stomach gnawing concoction of disappointment, frustration and emptiness that foments when a chance for history is squandered. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

Muschietti touched on this in his movies — the bullying of Mike Hanlon and the hate-crime murder of Adrian Mellon — including the way Pennywise fosters and foments the hatred already lurking in the hearts of Derry’s citizens. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025