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
Relevance
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
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
Back then, a single team coming together to put a pair of climbers on a summit incited national celebration.
—
Owen Clarke, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
Aaron, the ICEBlock creator, has denied that the app was intended to incite violence against law enforcement.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Raven’s marvel of a case study recapitulates the dissonance whereby cycles—political, social, structural, ecological—continue, monuments are created and destroyed and momentum is incited and frustrated, all while costs continue to mount.
—Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
The Miami Marlins incited grumbling across the sport as the organization embarked on several newfangled initiatives in 2025.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Owen Clarke, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
Aaron, the ICEBlock creator, has denied that the app was intended to incite violence against law enforcement.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Raven’s marvel of a case study recapitulates the dissonance whereby cycles—political, social, structural, ecological—continue, monuments are created and destroyed and momentum is incited and frustrated, all while costs continue to mount.
—Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
The Miami Marlins incited grumbling across the sport as the organization embarked on several newfangled initiatives in 2025.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
-
The one vote against the proclamation came from Board Chair Kathryn Barger, who warned that the county’s action could provoke legal consequences.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, fame, and identities.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This powerhouse ingredient, beloved by dermatologists and editors alike, is known for its ability to speed cell turnover and, in doing so, stimulate collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share