as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a deliberately inciting comment questioning someone's manhood started the brawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in provoking
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
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 inciting
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
The inciting moment, April explains, was Noelle’s fourth-grade school art show.
—Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
That’s the inciting incident of the new Paramount+ series Little Disasters, based on the Sarah Vaughan novel of the same name.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
The brief relapse of James’ sister Lydia’s secret love for Graham Sutton is the inciting incident that leads to Ruby and James’ meeting.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025
That’s a solid dramatic question, but one that might’ve been more productive as an inciting incident, as too much of this low-budget drama shuffles around subjects that demand incisive action in 2025, effectively creating a subtle irony that undermines the film’s own point.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2025
There's a naivety and sweetness to them that's ripped away in an instant when the two passionately make love in the barren house, the inciting incident for the demise of their relationship.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
His alleged infidelity became the inciting incident of the series, and Brooks’s sisters rally around her amid the breakup.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Certain messages or actions, like inciting immediate violence or making true threats, aren’t protected speech.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
In Chicago, where immigration clashes hit home, such biased reporting risks real harm — eroding trust, inciting unrest and abandoning journalism’s duty to inform objectively.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Zabik is facing two counts of inciting destruction of life or property, menacing, and harassment.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Tim Walz and Jacob Frey are cowards who are inciting violence to distract from their own failures.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Pro-Israel activists say the phrase risks inciting violence against Jews.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 1 Jan. 2026
Bardot was also fined multiple times by the French government for inciting racial hatred.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
She was repeatedly fined for inciting racial hatred against Muslim immigrants to France, according to news reports.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
That incident, which inspired the inciting moment of season two’s premiere, led Lee to think about how different generations approach love and relationships.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
The inciting moment, April explains, was Noelle’s fourth-grade school art show.
—Ruth Madievsky, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
That’s the inciting incident of the new Paramount+ series Little Disasters, based on the Sarah Vaughan novel of the same name.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
The brief relapse of James’ sister Lydia’s secret love for Graham Sutton is the inciting incident that leads to Ruby and James’ meeting.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025
That’s a solid dramatic question, but one that might’ve been more productive as an inciting incident, as too much of this low-budget drama shuffles around subjects that demand incisive action in 2025, effectively creating a subtle irony that undermines the film’s own point.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2025
There's a naivety and sweetness to them that's ripped away in an instant when the two passionately make love in the barren house, the inciting incident for the demise of their relationship.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
His alleged infidelity became the inciting incident of the series, and Brooks’s sisters rally around her amid the breakup.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
His allies would say the victim had provoked their own death and blame Democrats for inciting the violence.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Certain messages or actions, like inciting immediate violence or making true threats, aren’t protected speech.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
In Chicago, where immigration clashes hit home, such biased reporting risks real harm — eroding trust, inciting unrest and abandoning journalism’s duty to inform objectively.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Zabik is facing two counts of inciting destruction of life or property, menacing, and harassment.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Tim Walz and Jacob Frey are cowards who are inciting violence to distract from their own failures.
—Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Pro-Israel activists say the phrase risks inciting violence against Jews.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 1 Jan. 2026
Bardot was also fined multiple times by the French government for inciting racial hatred.
—Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
She was repeatedly fined for inciting racial hatred against Muslim immigrants to France, according to news reports.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inciting
Adjective
-
Tyler brought the same provocative, chaotic self-expression into his solo career in 2009 with the mixtape Bastard, then broke into Billboard’s top five with his studio albums Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013) Cherry Bomb (2015) and Flower Boy (2017).—
Matt Craig,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
However, a highlight was a measured but provocative speech from Monet about mentorship, nepotism and gatekeeping in the music industry.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Officials’ insistence that citizens who record agents are provoking violent retribution is a justification for what is becoming a very literal war on truth.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
-
In the main event of SmackDown, Trick Williams defeated Damian Priest by DQ after provoking Sami Zayn.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The company shares live trades and commentary with members, encouraging them to study entries, exits, and risk levels as markets move.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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Each room offered a distinct sonic environment, encouraging guests to explore and engage with the artworks.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inciting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inciting. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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