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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigate
After instigating the pile on last time, Vance did not speak at all this time.
—
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
The project was instigated by Hybe America CEO 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, 12 Aug. 2025
The teen who instigated the fight pulled a knife and tried to stab his rival, but his opponent managed to grab the blade and stab him with it, sources said.
—Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
Ant Farm’s Embassy to the Dolphins was never constructed, but the presentation of the idea in mainstream media instigated conversations amongst human readers that would otherwise never have happened.
—Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
The project was instigated by Hybe America CEO 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, 12 Aug. 2025
The teen who instigated the fight pulled a knife and tried to stab his rival, but his opponent managed to grab the blade and stab him with it, sources said.
—Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2025
Ant Farm’s Embassy to the Dolphins was never constructed, but the presentation of the idea in mainstream media instigated conversations amongst human readers that would otherwise never have happened.
—Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
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Gallery hoppers will also find design showcases at the Museu del Disseny at Glòries and thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions at MACBA (The Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
3 Sep. 2025
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Like most of McElwee’s films, including Sherman’s March itself, this one juxtaposes two seemingly unrelated things in surprising and thought-provoking ways.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
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Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This team is once again dealing with turnover at offensive coordinator, with Kevin Patullo promoted over the offseason to replace Kellen Moore, who is now head coach of the Saints.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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The Commission was also unimpressed by Jackson continuing to promote SPIS’ data around the location on the pitch and timing of Paqueta’s bookings during the game during cross-examination, despite the fact that the FA had abandoned this evidence.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
7 Sep. 2025
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Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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