Synonyms of incites

incites

verb

present tense third-person singular of incite

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

• provokes
• promotes
• encourages
• raises
• triggers
• foments
• instigates
• stimulates
• abets
• cultivates
• ferments
• stirs (up)
• whips (up)
• picks
• sets in motion
• inspires
• brews
• fosters
• motivates
• furthers
• nurtures
• nourishes
• rouses
• excites
• inflames
• activates
• sows
• detonates
• advances
• energizes
• sets off
• forwards
• galvanizes
• invigorates
• enlivens
• quickens
• sets
• vitalizes
• fires
• peps (up)
• livens (up)
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inhibits
• discourages
• regulates
• holds
• restrains
• constrains
• curbs
• reins (in)
• tames
• checks
• subdues
• calms
• soothes
• settles
• quiets
• allays
• bridles
• stills
• tranquilizes

2

as in encourages

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provokes
• encourages
• stimulates
• inspires
• stirs
• arouses
• motivates
• excites
• instigates
• sparks
• induces
• moves
• motives
• piques
• drives
• fires (up)
• triggers
• ignites
• impassions
• revs (up)
• inflames
• activates
• galvanizes
• angers
• animates
• energizes
• foments
• kindles
• enrages
• builds a fire under
• fans
• bothers
• abets
• quickens
• vitalizes
• keys (up)
• sets off
• ferments
• whips (up)
• teases
• upsets
• aggravates
• irritates
• annoys
• taunts
• raises
• exasperates
• gets
• pumps up
• maddens
• jeers
• vexes
• galls

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• subdues
• appeases
• pacifies
• placates
• tranquilizes
• mollifies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incites

Every day, there’s seemingly some new report or rumor that incites the social media machine. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026

The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026

Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine. — Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

Critics say the former demands the elimination of the Israeli state – from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea – and incites violence against Jewish people. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 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