Thesaurus
present tense third-person singular of instigate
Synonyms & Antonyms of instigates
1
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
- the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
Synonyms for instigates
- abets,
- brews,
- ferments,
- foments,
- incites,
- picks,
- provokes,
- raises,
- stirs (up),
- whips (up)
Words Related to instigates
Phrases Synonymous with instigates
Near Antonyms for instigates
- bridles,
- checks,
- constrains,
- curbs,
- discourages,
- holds,
- inhibits,
- regulates,
- reins (in),
- restrains,
- tames
- allays,
- calms,
- quiets,
- settles,
- soothes,
- stills,
- subdues,
- tranquilizes
- (also tranquillizes)
2
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 for instigates
Words Related to instigates
Phrases Synonymous with instigates
Near Antonyms for instigates
- calms,
- soothes,
- subdues,
- tranquilizes
- (also tranquillizes)
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Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021.
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