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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incite
The sudden request incited mixed emotions for the original poster (OP).
—
Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
This incites the lunatic fringe of the Mets and Yankees fan bases (some who live on social media).
—Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Murder case draws widespread attention The killing of Thompson and the arrest of Mangione have incited both worry among corporate executives and vitriol against the U.S. health care system.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
In most places, standardized testing has become the master rather than the servant—inciting a frenzy of preparation that displaces actual instruction with stress-laden test prep.
—Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
This incites the lunatic fringe of the Mets and Yankees fan bases (some who live on social media).
—Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025
Murder case draws widespread attention The killing of Thompson and the arrest of Mangione have incited both worry among corporate executives and vitriol against the U.S. health care system.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
In most places, standardized testing has become the master rather than the servant—inciting a frenzy of preparation that displaces actual instruction with stress-laden test prep.
—Mark C. Perna, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
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Trump’s comments have provoked a strong reaction, including boycotts on U.S. goods and protests.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Valencia said the seeds encourage rodents to enter the stadium and that the machines required to clean up the shells were causing noise pollution for those living close to their Mestalla stadium.—
Colin Millar,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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During the Obama administration, beginning in 2009 and culminating with major rule expansions in 2012, changes to federal economy regulations inadvertently encouraged automakers to build bigger, heavier vehicles instead of lighter, more efficient ones.—
Chadwick Hagan,
National Review,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Laser resurfacing uses the same technology to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production.—
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2025
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And now more than ever, documentary is a powerful tool to open new perspectives, build bridges and stimulate critical thinking.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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