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
No one person has incited violence, created divisions and preached hatred more than the current resident of the White House.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
That decision incited such a reaction from Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor that she was sent off the pitch after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Once a humble hunting lodge, the opulent Palace of Versailles is now a magnificent testament to the lavishness of royalty—and a symbol of the inequality that later incited the French Revolution.
—Geof Wheelwright, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026
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
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
That decision incited such a reaction from Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor that she was sent off the pitch after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Once a humble hunting lodge, the opulent Palace of Versailles is now a magnificent testament to the lavishness of royalty—and a symbol of the inequality that later incited the French Revolution.
—Geof Wheelwright, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incited
Verb
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Perhaps the Portuguese’s midweek recognition — an accolade Odegaard may have received in 2024 had things ended differently — provoked his inner ego.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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Wasps are territorial creatures that can aggressively defend their nests and protect their young if provoked.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 May 2026
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Residents were encouraged to do a walk-through of their property, looking for potential damage from water or gas leaks.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 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
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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 15 May. 2026.
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