Synonyms of instigate

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt 

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

• provoke
• promote
• encourage
• raise
• trigger
• incite
• foment
• stimulate
• abet
• stir (up)
• pick
• cultivate
• ferment
• set in motion
• whip (up)
• brew
• inspire
• foster
• further
• motivate
• forward
• nurture
• rouse
• nourish
• detonate
• sow
• advance
• excite
• activate
• set off
• galvanize
• inflame
• set
• energize
• enliven
• invigorate
• quicken
• enflame
• vitalize
• jazz (up)
• fire
• liven (up)
• pep (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regulate
• inhibit
• discourage
• hold
• restrain
• check
• constrain
• curb
• tame
• rein (in)
• settle
• subdue
• allay
• calm
• soothe
• bridle
• quiet
• still
• tranquillize
• tranquilize

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

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• stir
• inspire
• incite
• arouse
• motivate
• move
• excite
• spark
• induce
• motive
• trigger
• rev (up)
• drive
• fire (up)
• pique
• ignite
• impassion
• foment
• activate
• galvanize
• inflame
• energize
• anger
• animate
• bother
• abet
• vitalize
• quicken
• build a fire under
• set off
• enrage
• kindle
• fan
• enflame
• ferment
• upset
• pump up
• taunt
• raise
• aggravate
• tease
• key (up)
• annoy
• get
• whip (up)
• irritate
• exasperate
• jeer
• vex
• gall
• madden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquillize
• tranquilize
• mollify

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instigate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet, foment, and incite. While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

In what contexts can abet take the place of instigate?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When is it sensible to use foment instead of instigate?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would incite be a good substitute for instigate?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instigate

What Trump and immigration czar Tom Homan are attempting to do is to instigate a problem. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 June 2025

This trip was instigated by Charlotte, ostensibly so that the two sisters could improve their teaching qualifications at a Belgian school. —Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 6 June 2025

The series was instigated by music manager Scooter Braun’s purchase and sale of her early catalog and represents Swift’s effort to control her own songs and how they’re used. —Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025

Besides, Angela already got her lick back from Porsha’s comments about Charles by instigating the already precarious relationship between Porsha and her bestie and bringing Drew the news that Porsha filmed with Dennis. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 2 June 2025

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