incite

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

In some situations, the words abet and incite are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

While in some cases nearly identical to incite, 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 incite The second time was for inciting the riot Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 7 June 2025 Trump was accused of inciting an insurrection, but the Senate again acquitted him. Dan Gooding hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Speaking to Deadline off the record, some Indian industry execs who deal regularly with the CBFC say the board may have been concerned that the film could incite violence within the Sikh community, as well as have a negative impact on India’s relations with other countries. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 June 2025 Saudi protests over Israeli actions in its operations against the Palestinian militant group Hamas have proven a sticking point for normalization talks and have incited an escalation of Saudi condemnation of Israel. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • News of the plan, which was developed by city administrators but has not been publicly vetted or discussed, has provoked considerable consternation in political, downtown, cultural and preservation circles.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Furthermore, a closure would also provoke Iran's market in Asia, particularly China, which accounts for a majority of Iranian oil exports.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Outrage from the Sikh community, as well as a social media push calling for hate crime charges, encouraged prosecutors to take another look at the case, officials said.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • The five prizes were crafted based on research, evidence and consultation with teachers and education experts, and are designed to reflect key strategies that can encourage other schools to implement different strategies to strengthen their schools and communities.
    Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • These drugs stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which then decreases blood sugar levels.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Bright, overhead lighting stimulates serotonin production, enhancing alertness and boosting our mood and energy levels, perfect for kitchens and workspaces, but not ideal for intimate social settings.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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