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 So Ray manages to instigate a meetup with Sherry to cut the Manny problem off at the head. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 The man instigating the drama was Gary Shrimpster — a trucker and local Facebook-page moderator who has established himself as one of the Perfect Church’s greatest enemies. Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025 Trump’s tariffs have instigated fresh controversy over an issue that has long been a point of contention in American political and economic history. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 The administration has also drawn the ire of critics opposed to his migrant deportations and the wide-ranging cuts across federal agencies instigated by Elon Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
  • The situation escalated when GUNTHER mentioned Goldberg's family, provoking the Hall of Famer to jump the security barricade.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
  • In years past, the school district’s funding request has provoked heated conversations about how much the county should fund.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • When included as part of a balanced diet, soy foods can promote muscle growth, protect heart health, and support weight management.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 May 2025
  • Picking out a new plant, joining a Facebook group about gardening, and sharing your harvest with friends, family or neighbors, can all promote the social aspect of gardening and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
  • Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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