Synonyms of instigates

instigates

verb

present tense third-person singular of instigate

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

• provokes
• promotes
• encourages
• raises
• triggers
• incites
• foments
• stimulates
• abets
• cultivates
• ferments
• stirs (up)
• picks
• whips (up)
• sets in motion
• brews
• inspires
• fosters
• furthers
• motivates
• nurtures
• activates
• nourishes
• rouses
• excites
• detonates
• advances
• forwards
• sows
• inflames
• energizes
• sets off
• enlivens
• invigorates
• galvanizes
• quickens
• sets
• vitalizes
• fires
• peps (up)
• livens (up)
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inhibits
• regulates
• discourages
• holds
• restrains
• constrains
• checks
• curbs
• tames
• reins (in)
• settles
• calms
• quiets
• subdues
• soothes
• allays
• bridles
• stills
• tranquilizes

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

• provokes
• encourages
• stimulates
• inspires
• stirs
• arouses
• incites
• motivates
• excites
• induces
• moves
• sparks
• motives
• drives
• triggers
• piques
• fires (up)
• ignites
• activates
• revs (up)
• impassions
• animates
• foments
• inflames
• galvanizes
• energizes
• angers
• quickens
• bothers
• kindles
• abets
• enrages
• vitalizes
• builds a fire under
• keys (up)
• fans
• sets off
• ferments
• teases
• raises
• gets
• upsets
• aggravates
• whips (up)
• taunts
• irritates
• annoys
• exasperates
• pumps up
• maddens
• vexes
• jeers
• galls

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calms
• soothes
• subdues
• appeases
• pacifies
• tranquilizes
• placates
• mollifies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instigates

This impasse instigates the Ten Plagues, which are listed below in English and Hebrew. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

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