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
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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
Serious flooding like what happened in 2018 because of a similar forecast instigated by remnants of Hurricane Rosa could happen in the region, the WPC said.
—
Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
In fact, many of the posters, my colleagues and I have noticed, seem to be marked with verbatim messages in similar handwriting; had Schiffmann not only courted the vandalism but also instigated it?
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
The man injured in the incident is suing Sanchez and FOX Corporation, alleging the former NFL player instigated a violent confrontation, KREM TV in Indianapolis reported Monday.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
State transportation officials said a crash instigated the backup, but airport leaders are still investigating why the gridlock was so extreme.
—Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Obviously there is a spectrum to this response but the same pathway is instigated.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
That instigated his resignation.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
But instigated by the Saugus student section, Staub flipped the script that night in a 43-6 beatdown.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
In fact, many of the posters, my colleagues and I have noticed, seem to be marked with verbatim messages in similar handwriting; had Schiffmann not only courted the vandalism but also instigated it?
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
The man injured in the incident is suing Sanchez and FOX Corporation, alleging the former NFL player instigated a violent confrontation, KREM TV in Indianapolis reported Monday.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
State transportation officials said a crash instigated the backup, but airport leaders are still investigating why the gridlock was so extreme.
—Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Obviously there is a spectrum to this response but the same pathway is instigated.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
That instigated his resignation.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
But instigated by the Saugus student section, Staub flipped the script that night in a 43-6 beatdown.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigated
Verb
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For more than half a century, Martin Scorsese has surprised and provoked, shocked and illuminated, and – of course – entertained America, as few other filmmakers ever have.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
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On the far east side of Michigan, the future of fluoride in drinking water — long an ordinary practice for preventing tooth decay — has suddenly provoked passionate debate.—
Anna Clark,
ProPublica,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lastly, the scholars chalk the tremendous success of the books up to Rowling’s evocative writing, which encouraged young readers to be creative while holding their attention for long periods of time.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Oct. 2025
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Those who noticed the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The assassination of Charlie Kirk last month and an attack on a Dallas ICE facility have triggered anxiety from conservatives about rising political violence.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Oct. 2025
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Van Edwards said it should only be used when genuinely triggered by a thought or association.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The team also hopes to explore whether microscopic scaffolds can guide human cell growth and if the body can be stimulated to complete tissue regeneration once printing begins.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
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But dogs still need ways to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigated. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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