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 Republicans on Capitol Hill also backed Bondi’s qualified statement that speech inciting violence should be prosecuted. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025 Van Orden noted that inciting violence is not protected by the First Amendment. Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Israeli leaders ‘incited genocide’ The report accused Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of inciting genocide. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025 On the other are detractors who call Kirk’s ideology hateful and extreme, criticism that has cost many their jobs as his supporters accuse them of trying to incite further political violence. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • One student told detectives that Clarke provoked the situation by making disparaging remarks at him.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The rapper’s willingness to provoke, which often came bundled in a conversation about mental health, catapulted him to the top of pop culture and later, knocked him off the apex.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The resort's Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In honor of their service and selfness, Hobbs has ordered all state buildings to be at half-staff the days of their burials and encourages individuals, organizations and businesses to participate in the tribute.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And that will stimulate some new growth.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • This influx is stimulating employment, raising consumption and gradually transforming western China into a new highland for fashion and lifestyle brands.
    Li Jun, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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