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

The angry crowd grew at nightfall, instigated by word of mouth and local radio broadcasts. — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 12 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

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

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

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

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

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

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