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 Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025 Ivanka Trump, though, sometimes incited controversy for some of her social media posts of her children. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 16 May 2025 Palestinians are also subject to charges of inciting violence over social media. Lynzy Billing, The Dial, 6 May 2025 Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in gradually projecting influence over their Azeri cousins in the Azeri province of northern Iran, ultimately with a view to inciting secession. Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • 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
  • But if Washington follows a few principles, such improvements will not necessarily provoke Chinese aggression.
    Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Both trains offer luxury journeys that encourage passengers to partake in the joys of slow travel.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • These wildfires, while destructive, have also provided researchers with insights into giant sequoia ecology, revealing that moderate-severity burns can stimulate seed release and create favorable germination conditions.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Muscles, heart rate, strength, motor control — and the brain — all are stimulated by exercise.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!