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
Ilana Arougheti
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
And Washington, of course, had nothing to do with instigating or inciting the insurrection.
—New York Times, 11 June 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
Verb
Kansas City police are continuing to search for a 22-year-old man suspected of instigating a string of shootings Tuesday night, who has now escaped two standoffs with law enforcement.
—Ilana Arougheti
june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
And Washington, of course, had nothing to do with instigating or inciting the insurrection.
—New York Times, 11 June 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
-
Once moved out of the White House, Obama’s fashion choices shifted noticeably away from traditional styles and comparatively conservative first lady silhouettes, towards far more provocative looks that suggested a bold new chapter.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Kuzovkov had been living in exile in Poland since 2021, and he was known for his provocative portraits of Putin, Kadyrov, and other political figures.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
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,
15 June 2026
-
Experts don’t fully agree on how helpful a low-histamine diet—which limits histamine-provoking foods—is for systemic mastocytosis.—
Gagandeep Brar,
Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
That is why some of the city’s most promising ideas involve encouraging investment while preserving character.—
Sarah M. Boye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Grinberg now shares her experience online to raise awareness about lung cancer in younger patients and never-smokers, while encouraging others to trust themselves when something doesn't feel right.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
14 June 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
-
Tom Holland and Zendaya made promoting their new movie look like a casual date moment.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
The push is being led by tech giant Huawei through the Ultra HD Video Alliance, which is promoting its own HDR Vivid standard as an alternative to the Digital Cinema Initiatives certification framework that has governed cinema projection globally for decades.—
Marcus Lim,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Performance benefits often persist even in habitual users, even if the stimulating feel-good buzz fades.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Not only does the brand’s shampoo and conditioner make my hair feel so clean and look so shiny, but both formulas are also jam-packed with strengthening ingredients—avocado oil, olive oil, milk thistle, and growth-stimulating rosemary—that make the combo genuinely feel like a worthwhile luxury.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Scientists have discovered that seismic waves from Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake traveled to Earth’s core and back, triggering a second tectonic slip event that shifted the country eastward by up to 6 millimeters.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
-
Feels-like temperatures are expected to soar up to 120 degrees in parts of Texas on Thursday, June 18, triggering extreme heat warnings and advisories in several parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The miscommunications have once again put the majority leader in a difficult position, raising questions about why the president seems intent on making his life more difficult.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
Gordon said in kicking off his comments and raising a hand to reveal a rubber finger pad.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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