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
At worst, the government has invited in a provocateur who will continue to spread poison and incite violence.
—
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
She was convicted five times for inciting racial hatred, oftentimes directed at the Muslim community, and was publicly dismissive of the #MeToo movement and feminism, preferring to focus her philanthropic efforts on the rights of animals over women.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Bardot was also criticized for inciting racial hatred and for comparing homosexuals and pedophiles in her book.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025
She was eventually accused of inciting racial hatred and fined 5,000 euros.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025
She was convicted five times for inciting racial hatred, oftentimes directed at the Muslim community, and was publicly dismissive of the #MeToo movement and feminism, preferring to focus her philanthropic efforts on the rights of animals over women.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Bardot was also criticized for inciting racial hatred and for comparing homosexuals and pedophiles in her book.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 29 Dec. 2025
She was eventually accused of inciting racial hatred and fined 5,000 euros.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
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Analysts and insiders told CBS News the scale of the response to Pahalvi's call could determine whether the deadly, 12-day-old protests fizzle out as previous rounds of unrest have, or grow into a major challenge to the government, and provoke a possible wider crackdown.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Intrusive thoughts provoke an anxious spiral as the moon and Saturn oppose.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Her administration has encouraged the siting of data centers in Michigan through sales and use tax exemptions.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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For example, toddlers will benefit from toys that encourage them to build gross motor skills and work on early speech and literacy skills.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Cold showers stimulate the vagus nerve, reduce inflammation, and activate parts of the brain that can calm the body after long exposure.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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The implication was that there could be an easily accessible, off-the-shelf shot capable of stimulating the immune system to fight cancer.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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