Synonyms of instigated

instigated

verb

past tense of instigate

1

as in provoked

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoked
• triggered
• promoted
• encouraged
• raised
• incited
• fomented
• abetted
• stimulated
• picked
• brewed
• stirred (up)
• cultivated
• whipped (up)
• set in motion
• fermented
• fostered
• furthered
• inspired
• forwarded
• nurtured
• motivated
• roused
• sowed
• detonated
• set off
• nourished
• activated
• advanced
• set
• excited
• galvanized
• quickened
• enlivened
• inflamed
• fired
• energized
• invigorated
• vitalized
• livened (up)
• jazzed (up)
• pepped (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• held
• regulated
• checked
• inhibited
• curbed
• constrained
• restrained
• discouraged
• tamed
• reined (in)
• settled
• bridled
• calmed
• quieted
• subdued
• allayed
• soothed
• stilled
• tranquilized

2

as in encouraged

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

• provoked
• encouraged
• stimulated
• inspired
• stirred
• sparked
• incited
• aroused
• moved
• triggered
• motivated
• induced
• excited
• drove
• impassioned
• piqued
• fired (up)
• ignited
• revved (up)
• motived
• fomented
• activated
• kindled
• fanned
• angered
• abetted
• quickened
• built a fire under
• galvanized
• bothered
• enraged
• animated
• inflamed
• set off
• energized
• upset
• vitalized
• pumped up
• keyed (up)
• taunted
• whipped (up)
• teased
• raised
• aggravated
• fermented
• got
• maddened
• annoyed
• jeered
• exasperated
• vexed
• irritated
• galled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calmed
• subdued
• soothed
• appeased
• placated
• pacified
• mollified
• tranquilized

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instigated

Instead, the Citizens’ Council, a white supremacist organization, claimed Williams instigated the riots. — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

Those same cartels instigated the crisis that gripped Mexico during my travels. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

The other inmate involved in the altercation made a remark to Combs, which instigated the event, the source said. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 24 July 2026

John Tunstall’s store, the establishment of which instigated the Lincoln County Wars, is still stocked with original 19th-century merchandise such as ammunition and men’s suit buttons. — Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026

Prosecutors concluded that the Boulis murder, though instigated by his dispute with Kidan, was Moscatiello’s idea alone. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026

This is the first visible work for the redevelopment, with more cosmetic changes having also been instigated — such as the removal of club offices to the building above the Whitehorse Lane end, which previously hosted the Crystals nightclub. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 June 2026

After notching two goals in the team’s 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12, Balogun instigated the American scoring, in the 11th minute, on Friday. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026

Little signs of humanity appeared in every direction, quietly defusing what could have become a disaster instigated by fear. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026