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
• advance
• sow
• excite
• activate
• set off
• galvanize
• inflame
• energize
• set
• enliven
• invigorate
• quicken
• 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
• 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
• inspire
• stir
• 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
• 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
• 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

And the Obama administration’s series of immigration executive actions instigated a tennis match of such orders between subsequent administrations ever since. — Justin Gest, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Peters allegedly instigated the fight and then posted video of it online. — Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Fossil fuels are also subject to increasing price volatility, particularly since the US instigated war with Iran. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 19 Oct. 2026

Last year, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for one game for instigating a scuffle with the Kansas City Chiefs. — Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026

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