Synonyms of incite

incite

verb

in-ˈsīt 

1

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• promote
• encourage
• raise
• trigger
• foment
• instigate
• stimulate
• stir (up)
• abet
• set in motion
• ferment
• cultivate
• whip (up)
• pick
• inspire
• brew
• foster
• motivate
• further
• nurture
• forward
• rouse
• nourish
• excite
• inflame
• sow
• galvanize
• set off
• detonate
• advance
• activate
• energize
• enflame
• enliven
• invigorate
• set
• quicken
• jazz (up)
• vitalize
• fire
• pep (up)
• liven (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• restrain
• regulate
• inhibit
• hold
• check
• constrain
• curb
• tame
• rein (in)
• allay
• subdue
• settle
• soothe
• calm
• bridle
• quiet
• still
• tranquillize
• tranquilize

2

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• inspire
• stir
• arouse
• excite
• motivate
• instigate
• spark
• induce
• move
• motive
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• trigger
• pique
• drive
• ignite
• impassion
• inflame
• galvanize
• anger
• foment
• activate
• energize
• enflame
• build a fire under
• animate
• set off
• bother
• vitalize
• enrage
• quicken
• kindle
• abet
• fan
• ferment
• annoy
• whip (up)
• key (up)
• upset
• aggravate
• taunt
• tease
• pump up
• irritate
• raise
• exasperate
• get
• jeer
• vex
• gall
• madden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquillize
• tranquilize
• mollify

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

Recent Examples of incite

Our legal system has painstakingly determined the narrow range of speech that is not legally protected, such as speech that is intended to — and in fact does — incite imminent lawless action. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025

Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

There is power in speaking up to reveal these hateful ideologies that have incited deadly violence. —Christopher Tremoglie, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025

While many global readers celebrated The Inheritance of Loss, the novel incited controversy on the subcontinent for its representation of Nepalis; there were threats of book-burnings in Kalimpong. —Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025