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
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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
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
But eventually, the rain wound up instigating the first moment on the show that was truly Love Island.
—Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Settlers moving West had used various tactics since Colonial times to advance despite the presence of Native Americans, whether through legal moves such as treaties or by instigating conflicts, Andrews said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
The French president warned against instigating panic with talk about fuel shortages as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz from which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Some of its members and those of some of its sister organizations have been implicated in – or accused of - instigating attacks against India's Muslim and Christian minorities.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
Peters was also arrested earlier this year on misdemeanor battery charges after reportedly instigating a fight between two women and exploiting them by posting the footage online.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 15 Apr. 2026
Reps for Prince Harry, who is no stranger to instigating court moves himself or showing up in the High Court, were equally blunt in their response to the blunt accusations.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
The kind of instigating prompt was my former teacher, the author Lydia Yuknavitch, asking where the rage lived in my work, because Long Live was so much about forgiveness and tenderness and understanding.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Rather than instigating a change, Palace instead held firm.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
But eventually, the rain wound up instigating the first moment on the show that was truly Love Island.
—Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Settlers moving West had used various tactics since Colonial times to advance despite the presence of Native Americans, whether through legal moves such as treaties or by instigating conflicts, Andrews said.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
The French president warned against instigating panic with talk about fuel shortages as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz from which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Some of its members and those of some of its sister organizations have been implicated in – or accused of - instigating attacks against India's Muslim and Christian minorities.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
Peters was also arrested earlier this year on misdemeanor battery charges after reportedly instigating a fight between two women and exploiting them by posting the footage online.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 15 Apr. 2026
Reps for Prince Harry, who is no stranger to instigating court moves himself or showing up in the High Court, were equally blunt in their response to the blunt accusations.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
The kind of instigating prompt was my former teacher, the author Lydia Yuknavitch, asking where the rage lived in my work, because Long Live was so much about forgiveness and tenderness and understanding.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
-
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
And not all of his merchandise is provocative.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
On May 18, Venus will conclude its journey through the flirtatious and thought-provoking sign of Gemini and enter the sentimental and hopeless romantic sign of Cancer.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
The neighborhood’s creative spirit shines at Cam Raleigh, a dynamic contemporary art space with thought-provoking works rooted in community and regional narratives.—
Kristy Tolley,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Verb
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After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
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
-
That’s why the CIA invested all that money in promoting Jackson Pollock or promoting American culture.—
Sean Woods,
Rolling Stone,
25 May 2026
-
Arizona has won 11 games and lost only five since promoting him, which feels significant (but, hey, correlation/causation and whatnot).—
Andy Behrens,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Verb
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Cinnamon can be used for everything from germination to protecting plants from pests and diseases, from stimulating plant growth to as a natural antiseptic, fungicide, and pest repellent.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
23 May 2026
-
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that low-wage households spent an additional $2,800 on average in the year following a $1 wage increase, stimulating the broader economy.—
Nick Hanauer,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
On March 26, 1997, the Red Wings sought retribution as McCarty went after Lemieux, triggering a full-scale brawl with goalies Roy and Mike Vernon in a bloody fight at center ice.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
-
The incident occurred on Wednesday night when authorities received a report of shots fired outside Barrett’s home, triggering a police response.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
He was recently asked about raising taxes on the rich.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
-
Last year’s conference-final loss to the Florida Panthers — an ugly result for an overmatched roster that had spent the regular season outkicking its coverage, maximizing its performance and raising expectations to an unreasonable level — is on that ledger, too.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
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