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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigating
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
After instigating the pile on last time, Vance did not speak at all this time.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
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And the goal is to be provocative and push boundaries.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Fun, provocative and sometimes controversial, the MTV Video Music Awards stand out among other award shows.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gallery hoppers will also find design showcases at the Museu del Disseny at Glòries and thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions at MACBA (The Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
3 Sep. 2025
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Like most of McElwee’s films, including Sherman’s March itself, this one juxtaposes two seemingly unrelated things in surprising and thought-provoking ways.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As a practical matter, California making this move will only further inflame the gerrymandering problem, encouraging a further spiral of gerrymandering offsetting Democratic gains in other states.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Sep. 2025
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Walking tours are also gaining prominence, minimizing car use and encouraging a deeper connection with the city.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
Verb
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Bipartisan support for promoting democracy abroad continued for decades after the Cold War ended.—
Time,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
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The early renewal was revealed Wednesday morning by series stars Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore while promoting The Paper’s launch on NBC’s Today.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this sense, homes offer a more private and personal environment, which can be comfortable and creatively stimulating.—
Megan Williams,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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There has been some evidence that stimulating the nervous system in certain ways could make this recovery go faster, and researchers in China wanted to find out if this could be achieved through music.—
Eva Amsen,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The last jackpot winner claimed their prize in California on May 31, triggering the current unprecedented streak.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
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Imagine Maye triggering a triple-option run with Stevenson, keeping the ball and veering off the edge with Henderson behind him.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Since 1995, when Trevor’s twins Joshua and Samuel died in England, the Marlborough father has dedicated his life to raising funds to donate to special care baby units throughout the country.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
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This enclosed back segment of the property could work for raising chickens and other small farm animals —away from the main house.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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