1
as in provoked
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 encouraged
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 incited
Like many influencer brands, the launch incited quite a bit of controversy online.
—
Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 2 Apr. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
The decision incited backlash from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who called for Prasad’s ouster.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 6 Mar. 2026
Chisholm incited criticism multiple times during the 2025 season while playing for the Yankees.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
That includes the origin story of how the lizard came to be, the creation of that Elio post-credits scene that incited the meme machine, and early test screening reactions that signaled there could be something more to that character.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
What incited this spontaneous staycation?
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Those abuses caused outrage, which incited more protesters to show up.
—Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested after the game that Vinicius Jr had incited the incident, also referencing the home side’s legend Eusebio, who is Black.
—Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 2 Apr. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
The decision incited backlash from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who called for Prasad’s ouster.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 6 Mar. 2026
Chisholm incited criticism multiple times during the 2025 season while playing for the Yankees.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
That includes the origin story of how the lizard came to be, the creation of that Elio post-credits scene that incited the meme machine, and early test screening reactions that signaled there could be something more to that character.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
What incited this spontaneous staycation?
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Those abuses caused outrage, which incited more protesters to show up.
—Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho suggested after the game that Vinicius Jr had incited the incident, also referencing the home side’s legend Eusebio, who is Black.
—Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incited
Verb
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In 2018, Target provoked the ire of New York music lovers by tweaking CBGB’s famous awning to celebrate the opening of a new retail location in Astor Place.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
21 Apr. 2026
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Focused on fast payouts — with many conducted in around four hours — these models target rural populations in particular, which are increasingly impacted by unexpected weather patterns and natural disasters provoked by climate change.—
Paige Bruton,
semafor.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nonpropagandized instruction of the history and relevance of May Day could have been encouraged.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
City officials have encouraged Golden Leaf restaurant to install an expensive filter to address the pungent smell, though owners insist that none of their immediate shopping center neighbors have complained about the odor.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When people spend long periods in activities that require very little mental effort, those pathways may not be stimulated in the same way.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The induced impact of our cast and crew spending along with the workers along the supply chain in turn stimulated even more economic growth.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incited.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incited. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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