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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.
    Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on instigate

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