1
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to encourage
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigate
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—
Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Urbieta’s feature debut is an instigating social drama that follows the tensions between a couple after an encounter with migrants trying to cross the river between the two countries.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Urbieta’s feature debut is an instigating social drama that follows the tensions between a couple after an encounter with migrants trying to cross the river between the two countries.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
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The one vote against the proclamation came from Board Chair Kathryn Barger, who warned that the county’s action could provoke legal consequences.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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Dave and a rotating cast of smart, thought-provoking guests talk about their inspirations, failures, successes, fame, and identities.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Duran had published articles on Tan and his wealthy colleagues, like Balaji Srinivasan, a tech investor who was promoting an esoteric but stubbornly influential concept called the Network State.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
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Soft platinum coils are delivered into the aneurysm under X-ray guidance to promote clotting and block blood flow into the weakened vessel.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This powerhouse ingredient, beloved by dermatologists and editors alike, is known for its ability to speed cell turnover and, in doing so, stimulate collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
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Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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