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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigated
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
The angry crowd grew at nightfall, instigated by word of mouth and local radio broadcasts.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
There also is a contingent inside CBS News and the overall network that views some of the changes Weiss has instigated as long overdue for a 21st century media organization.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Take our once respected monarchy, for instance, which was instigated through a popular referendum as part of national independence in 1905.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
The same night the videos of the shooting appeared online, Peters was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on an unrelated misdemeanor battery charge, stemming from an altercation that Peters allegedly instigated between two women in Osceola County.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
The Osceola Sheriff’s Office said Peters instigated the fight and posted it online to exploit the women.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Details of what happened were confirmed to The Athletic by several sources who said the confrontation was instigated by Rudiger.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office alleged Peters instigated a fight between his girlfriend, Violet Lentz, 24, and a 19-year-old influencer in February at a short-term rental in Kissimmee, Fla.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026
The angry crowd grew at nightfall, instigated by word of mouth and local radio broadcasts.
—Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
There also is a contingent inside CBS News and the overall network that views some of the changes Weiss has instigated as long overdue for a 21st century media organization.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Take our once respected monarchy, for instance, which was instigated through a popular referendum as part of national independence in 1905.
—Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
The same night the videos of the shooting appeared online, Peters was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on an unrelated misdemeanor battery charge, stemming from an altercation that Peters allegedly instigated between two women in Osceola County.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
The Osceola Sheriff’s Office said Peters instigated the fight and posted it online to exploit the women.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Details of what happened were confirmed to The Athletic by several sources who said the confrontation was instigated by Rudiger.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 5 May 2026
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office alleged Peters instigated a fight between his girlfriend, Violet Lentz, 24, and a 19-year-old influencer in February at a short-term rental in Kissimmee, Fla.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigated
Verb
-
If these quasi-mythical creatures provoked unease, at least among outsiders, their cheese did the opposite.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Trump’s unprecedented decision to attend an NBA Finals game provoked turmoil for the team and their fans.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 June 2026
-
Although the concept encouraged spaces that felt open, airy, and perfectly curated, in practice, the trend was anything but practical.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
Verb
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That triggered a wave of similar initiatives by politicians across America, many of whom would like similar ticket allocations.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
How scent memories differ from other senses Memories triggered by smell tend to share a few signature qualities.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
So, that just keeps them stimulated and keeps their day really interesting.—
Monique John,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
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The revving of the AI hype cycle into the coming mega-IPOs will likely keep the bullish traders stimulated.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigated. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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