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incite

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of incite

1 to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

  • the rock bandʼs failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Synonyms of incite

abet, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up)
Words Related to incite

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate

detonate, set, set off, trigger

excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse

activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize
Phrases Synonymous with incite

set in motion
Near Antonyms of incite

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame

allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

2 to rouse to strong feeling or action

  • the demagogueʼs fiery rant incited the crowd to riot
Synonyms of incite

arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, instigate, move, pique, provoke, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir
Words Related to incite

fan, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, trigger

activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, motive, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize

abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up)

anger, enrage, madden, upset

jeer, taunt, tease

aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, get, irritate, vex
Phrases Synonymous with incite

build a fire under
Near Antonyms of incite

calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Synonym Discussion of incite

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.
    • inciting a riot
instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.
    • instigated a conspiracy
abet implies both assisting and encouraging.
    • aiding and abetting the enemy
foment implies persistence in goading.
    • fomenting rebellion

Learn More about incite

  1. Dictionary: Definition of incite Medical Dictionary: Definition of incite Spanish Central: Translation of incite Nglish: Translation of incite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of incite for Arabic speakers

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