as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an artist who deliberately creates instigating works of art that are sure to arouse controversy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in provoking
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
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 instigating
Michaela Zee, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
Stewart received seven games for aggressively coming off the bench and instigating.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements, which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Exactly who is instigating public unrest or stirring up public feeling is a matter of interpretation.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
The players aren’t the only ones instigating these moves.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Stolberg fought back and Arnsten earned penalties for instigating, fighting and misconduct.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
In the video, according to the news release, Reiher can be heard provoking the students and instigating them to engage in a fight.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
He has already been sentenced for 14 years and faces several lifetimes in prison in more than 150 cases charging him with offenses ranging from stealing state gifts to instigating a violent attack on military headquarters.
—Mohammed Hanif, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
The film, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival, shows LaBeouf berating actors and crew members, instigating a fistfight and engaging in other aggressive behavior.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
Stewart received seven games for aggressively coming off the bench and instigating.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements, which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Exactly who is instigating public unrest or stirring up public feeling is a matter of interpretation.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
The players aren’t the only ones instigating these moves.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Stolberg fought back and Arnsten earned penalties for instigating, fighting and misconduct.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
In the video, according to the news release, Reiher can be heard provoking the students and instigating them to engage in a fight.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
He has already been sentenced for 14 years and faces several lifetimes in prison in more than 150 cases charging him with offenses ranging from stealing state gifts to instigating a violent attack on military headquarters.
—Mohammed Hanif, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
-
Fennell is a polarizing filmmaker, with a self-consciously provocative streak.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In her provocative new spin on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, the Oscar-winning filmmaker announces from the get-go that this isn’t your grandmother’s windswept Gothic romance.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Buying local products, providing local and state funding sources, supporting agricultural preservation programs, encouraging lawmakers to prioritize the importance of farming and supporting local agriculture education programs are partial solutions.—
Joe Dymek,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Your 4th House of Home becomes a deep well as the nurturing Moon conjoins unearthing Pluto there, encouraging you to cleanse closets and clear emotional dust.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Prominent surfing family Van Dyke, originally from Santa Cruz, California, was recognized in the international surfing community for his participation in competitions and his influence in promoting the sport in the Caribbean region.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Irving, who was not playing in the All-Star Game, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets in 2023 shortly after promoting an antisemitic film on his Twitter account and at first refusing to apologize for the tweet.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your 3rd House of Communication receives a stimulating Solar Eclipse, creating a fresh channel for neighborhood ties and the everyday conversations that keep life moving.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Key Takeaways Dandelion tea helps digestion and gut health by protecting liver health, stimulating bile production, and supporting a healthy microbiome (community of microbes in the gut).—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Even the smallest black dot of mold can affect your health by causing respiratory illnesses or triggering certain allergic reactions from breathing it in constantly.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2026
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In cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, researchers believe higher and repeated doses of cannabis push the endocannabinoid system too far, triggering nausea, vomiting and relentless abdominal pain, according to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Florida.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But what was really baffling was Cronin’s claim that the questioner was raising his voice.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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That reality means balancing work, wellness and raising her young son, which has become the foundation for her latest collaboration with Fabletics.—
Casey DelBasso,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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