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instigate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of instigate

1 to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
  • The medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy.
Synonyms of instigate

abet, brew, ferment, foment, incite, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up)
Words Related to instigate

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate

detonate, set, set off, trigger

excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse

activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize
Phrases Synonymous with instigate

set in motion
Near Antonyms of instigate

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame

allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
2 to rouse to strong feeling or action
  • She blamed him for instigating the argument.
Synonyms of instigate

arouse, encourage, excite, fire (up), impassion, incite, move, pique, provoke, rev (up), spark, stimulate, stir
Words Related to instigate

fan, ignite, inflame (also enflame), kindle, trigger

activate, animate, drive, energize, galvanize, induce, inspire, key (up), motivate, pump up, quicken, set off, vitalize

abet, ferment, foment, raise, whip (up)

anger, enrage, madden, upset

jeer, taunt, tease

annoy, bother, exasperate, gall, irritate, vex
Phrases Synonymous with instigate

build a fire under
Near Antonyms of instigate

calm, soothe, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

appease, mollify, pacify, placate

Synonym Discussion of instigate

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.
    • inciting a riot
instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.
    • instigated a conspiracy
abet implies both assisting and encouraging.
    • aiding and abetting the enemy
foment implies persistence in goading.
    • fomenting rebellion

Learn More about instigate

  1. See words that rhyme with instigate Dictionary: Definition of instigate Spanish Central: Translation of instigate Nglish: Translation of instigate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of instigate for Arabic speakers

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