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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigates
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
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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Every action provokes a reaction.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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After a sleepy start to the second half at Old Trafford, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, and the relocation of Cunha into a deeper position, provokes a fresh wave of interest.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The resort's Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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Mittman encourages companies to strive to offer accommodations, such as teleworking options and mental health assistance, to the visually impaired.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Division also promotes heavier blooming.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
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The station promotes a buffet, giveaways and raffle prizes at this watch party.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system.—
Team Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
25 Sep. 2025
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Connie and Tristan are testing a new drug that stimulates the feel-good dopamine receptors in the brain.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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