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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigates
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
Verb
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Mercury in Sagittarius provokes your mind to venture into uncharted territory.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Blue Film provokes and captivates in equal measure, with the naked honesty of a black box off-off-Broadway play.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Besides the gleaming blue hull, the 60-footer has an open layout that encourages sociability while promoting privacy in areas like the sunbed at the stern or foredeck lounge.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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Each troll has a name and a story that encourages nature exploration and ultimately finding ways to protect the earth.—
Khadejeh Nikouyeh,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Key Takeaways Persimmons are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and promotes heart health.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
10 Nov. 2025
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Research suggests that movement helps to regulate circadian rhythm and increases melatonin production, which is a hormone that increases at night and promotes sleep.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mercury entering Sagittarius today stimulates your creative faculties.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The low-level, external electrical charge stimulates the body’s internal repair mechanism.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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