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
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
In the aftermath, human rights advocates have questioned the tactics used and criticized law enforcement for tearing apart families and instigating fear in the community.
—Idaho Statesman, 14 Nov. 2025
The Packers owned a 22-19 lead in the fourth quarter when Steelers linebacker Nick Niemann was flagged for instigating an altercation.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
McCabe just got the five minutes for fighting, while Tuch got an extra two minutes for instigating the fight and a 10-minute misconduct.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
In the aftermath, human rights advocates have questioned the tactics used and criticized law enforcement for tearing apart families and instigating fear in the community.
—Idaho Statesman, 14 Nov. 2025
The Packers owned a 22-19 lead in the fourth quarter when Steelers linebacker Nick Niemann was flagged for instigating an altercation.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
McCabe just got the five minutes for fighting, while Tuch got an extra two minutes for instigating the fight and a 10-minute misconduct.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
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Tyler brought the same provocative, chaotic self-expression into his solo career in 2009 with the mixtape Bastard, then broke into Billboard’s top five with his studio albums Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013) Cherry Bomb (2015) and Flower Boy (2017).—
Matt Craig,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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However, a highlight was a measured but provocative speech from Monet about mentorship, nepotism and gatekeeping in the music industry.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Officials’ insistence that citizens who record agents are provoking violent retribution is a justification for what is becoming a very literal war on truth.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
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In the main event of SmackDown, Trick Williams defeated Damian Priest by DQ after provoking Sami Zayn.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Known for encouraging collaboration in a competitive industry, Brotherton was widely regarded as someone who championed other cooks as much as his own success.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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The build has felt oddly subdued for much of the month, largely because the focus shifted toward promoting the quarterly Peacock special instead.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The conversations around politics were largely unfolding at panels, such as the American Civil Liberties Union event attended by DuVernay, and as the stars were promoting their films on red carpets ahead of their premieres.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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More than two-thirds believe business investment will be stronger in 2026 than in 2025, likely the result of huge spending on artificial intelligence, but also tax changes stimulating investment.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If the offset resumed, some taxpayers would see their refunds reduced or eliminated, likely triggering headaches at the IRS, too, even though the IRS does not control offset decisions.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
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The victims, all elementary school students, got into difficulty in a frozen pond in Bonham, a city about 60 miles northeast of Dallas, triggering a desperate effort by their mother and a neighbor to save them, FOX 4 reported.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Along with her late husband, the pair founded VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit dedicated to raising social awareness and aiding community causes in Boston, federal prosecutors said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
During the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden proposed raising the corporate tax rate.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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