1
as in provokes
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 encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incites
Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
This incites the monster to kill Frankenstein’s wife, Elizabeth, shortly after she and the mad scientist have been married.
—Alison Eldridge, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Feb. 2026
While the technology behind agents will, no doubt, continue to change and grow, organizations that retain the highest benefits from it are likely to be those that bring people along for the changes technology incites.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Until then, the only limits on their selections were Vimeo’s standard terms of service, which prohibit content that incites violence or qualifies as pornographic.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
Luke is interested in why this test incites terror in the kids and unease among teachers.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
This incites the monster to kill Frankenstein’s wife, Elizabeth, shortly after she and the mad scientist have been married.
—Alison Eldridge, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Feb. 2026
While the technology behind agents will, no doubt, continue to change and grow, organizations that retain the highest benefits from it are likely to be those that bring people along for the changes technology incites.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
Until then, the only limits on their selections were Vimeo’s standard terms of service, which prohibit content that incites violence or qualifies as pornographic.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025
Luke is interested in why this test incites terror in the kids and unease among teachers.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
Verb
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But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The council also encourages Gary leadership to participate in any IURC proceedings and asks for the Indiana General Assembly to biannually review utility delivery charge actions and pursue reforms.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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School gardening also promotes an increase in vegetable consumption.—
Shelley Mitchell,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Heat Dairy and non-dairy yogurts are made through a fermentation process that promotes the growth of certain beneficial bacterial strains.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Beta-glucan also stimulates the release of GLP-1 from the gut, sending hormonal signals of fullness to the brain.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
21 Apr. 2026
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Paul Revere’s ride inspires us to rally behind a cause like helping war victims and to spread the word to ignite action.—
William Lambers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incites. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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