1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
without instigation of any kind, the man suddenly threw a punch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity
the promise of windfall profits was all the instigation they needed to invest in the scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigation
Noun
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Her arrival in the U.K. — and the excitement surrounding the Cowboy Carter Tour — was easily enough to push the title back onto these lists.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025 -
Much of the cast, including creator Lin Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Groff, Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Reneé Elise Goldsberry, walked the carpet embracing other stars who were buzzing with excitement for what the performance could be.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
However, America will be far better off when the impetus to adopt healthier habits falls on individuals and families, rather than Uncle Sam.—
Christina Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
9 June 2025
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While Otis continued pitching for the next couple of years, helping lead Columbine to the Class 5A title as a junior, the impetus for her switch to full-time outfielder came a few weeks before the start of her senior season.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Rather than targeted, cautiously executed uses, many throw generative AI at any task imaginable, with Big Tech’s encouragement.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2025
-
For 16 years, the book quietly traveled in Sofia’s backpack, a secret project that blossomed into a treasure trove of encouragement and heartfelt memories.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
This structure leaves little incentive for buyers locked into contracts to make any moves until the contract ends.—
Greg Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
While geothermal energy loses out in the current package, some Republicans, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have called for the power source’s tax incentives to remain.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time.—
Chelsea Reid,
The Conversation,
17 June 2025
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This psychological process, as first described by Ivan Pavlov, explains how our brains learn to associate unrelated stimuli with specific emotional outcomes.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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That should matter to leaders, because real connection drives motivation, creativity, and well-being.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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But the vice president’s remarks also underscore the political motivations behind Saturday’s action.—
Michael Wilner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Instigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigation. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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