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
-
Fogel is always looking for the visual angle that provokes an emotional response.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
22 Jan. 2026
-
This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And, adds Scott, with a smile, Billy (their French poodle who has appeared in this column before) encourages donations to animal protection organizations.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Days ahead of the 2026 Grammys, Elton John encourages young artists to follow their dreams while introducing the Best New Artist nominees in a short film from Spotify.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The event, which promotes TV shows and movies for the year and beyond, had only been announced to the press.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Jan. 2026
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North Dakota and Rhode Island have among the most restrictive statewide bans, requiring phones be kept in inaccessible storage, according to an analysis by the Institute for Families and Technology, a nonprofit that promotes digital safety for children.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When applied to the scalp, minoxidil increases blood flow and stimulates your hair follicles to regrow hair.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The two ingredients are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help support a healthy scalp and promote blood circulation, which stimulates hair follicles.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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