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

Sources close to Ritchson told TMZ that the actor did not instigate the fight. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026

Grynsztejn instigated Marshall’s survey herself, in a hands-on move not typical of most museum directors. —News Desk, Artforum, 17 Mar. 2026

The kind of instigating prompt was my former teacher, the author Lydia Yuknavitch, asking where the rage lived in my work, because Long Live was so much about forgiveness and tenderness and understanding. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026

Faber also came to his defense after he was hit from behind by Jeremy Lauzon in the second period, earning 17 minutes of penalties after instigating a fight. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

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