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 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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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