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 News of her departure incited quick, negative feedback from fans on social media. Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025 Mother’s turbulent self-examination is incited by the revelation of Sister Agnieszka’s pregnancy in the film’s first Act. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025 After inciting rage on both sides of the aisle, spurring conversations about private equity ruining fun, and generally being the internet’s main character (derogatory) for a week, the restaurant has brought back their barrel and the old man who guards it. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • Gallery hoppers will also find design showcases at the Museu del Disseny at Glòries and thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions at MACBA (The Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona).
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Like most of McElwee’s films, including Sherman’s March itself, this one juxtaposes two seemingly unrelated things in surprising and thought-provoking ways.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!