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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incites
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
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 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
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
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
Verb
-
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Each line encourages a body to shift when uttered or even when read silently to oneself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
To her daughter, 8-year-old Hazel (Nola Wallace), Paula is the fun parent, a mom who encourages ice cream for dinner, embraces cursing, enthusiastically participates in TikTok dances, and even coaches her daughter’s youth soccer team.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Plus, even when cleaned, the rough, rusty surface promotes more clinging clippings and the problem continues.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
-
An electric boat promotes responsible experiences, operating emission-free and with reduced noise pollution.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Heading removes the end of shoots or limbs and stimulates regrowth near the cut.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
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This stimulates native, beneficial bacteria and diverse fungi, creating natural competition that keeps the fairy ring fungus in check.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
In that, Diesel x Tinder feels real and raw, skipping performative activism for something that informs and inspires.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
1 June 2026
-
Naturally, this inspires a patio refresh, and Pottery Barn’s Outdoor Sale couldn’t have come at a better time.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incites. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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