1
as in provokes
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 encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of instigates
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—
Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
Verb
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That promotes healthy rainfall patterns and keeps the hydrological cycle moving.—
Dan Lambe,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Intel also promotes a vast ecosystem of more than 200 independent software vendors developing commercial applications and services tailored to its platform.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Pruning also stimulates branching, which encourages more flowers.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2025
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For example, generative AI might provide you with an essay that glorifies a particular addiction or could engage in a dialogue that encourages you to become addicted to this or that addictive substance or non-substance.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This stimulates autophagy and detox enzymes, resulting in a deep cleansing of the cells and tissue.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
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However, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of smoother, more even skin.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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