INSTIGATION Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

instigation

noun

Definition of instigation

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

subduing

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of instigation While in custody, new evidence caused Kerry to be rearrested under suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of an act of terrorism, reports ABC News. — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026 He has been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 July 2026 They are accused of propaganda against the constitutional order and instigation to commit crimes, and if found guilty could be sentenced to several years in prison. — Sarah Moreno june 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 Now that more and more users are disengaging and often leaving those platforms entirely, the AI bots are moving in, often at the instigation of the social media platforms themselves. — ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026 Had the country remained coalesced around the accurate original understanding of January 6—that American citizens had been lied to about the 2020 election by the president and had attempted to sack the Capitol partly at his instigation—Webster might have been forced into a reckoning. — Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 Three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, the UK's Counter Terrorism Policing office said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 Three additional suspects -- two men and a woman -- were also taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, police said on Thursday. — Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025 Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism in connection with the attack, police said. — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigation

Noun

Amiri finally found an apartment with an elevator big enough for his three kids, but is experiencing the downside of the excitement surrounding Celine Dion’s return to the stage with a residency at Paris La Défense Arena.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
The reaction was overwhelmingly positive after feeling prioritized by management, which was followed by the excitement of seeing a press release go live and be picked up by the media.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
The Lighthouse’s headquarters hadn’t been upgraded since the 1980s, Allen said, so the collapse provided the impetus to bring the facility into the 21st century.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Someone could offer knowledge, encouragement, or an introduction that makes an idea feel less imaginary.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Sorkin and Fincher have remained close, and Sorkin has continued to rely on Fincher’s insight and encouragement.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Through the partnership, Oceanfront will produce and finance productions while Allegro provides financing solutions for potential production collateral (like tax incentives, rebates and pre-sales).

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
On Tuesday night, leaders in the Colorado city approved a 30-year tax incentive to bring the major sporting goods retailer to the community.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Analysts, however, expect that Beijing is unlikely to ramp up stimulus meaningfully as long as export growth remains strong enough to power the economy to land within the target range.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
China reported downbeat consumption and investment figures, bolstering economists’ calls for fiscal stimulus to drive growth in the world’s second-biggest economy.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

People can direct them by sending electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted near their antennae.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Other treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and for a small number of cases a surgical therapy called deep brain stimulation.

— Michael Okun, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulation

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instigating

instigation

instigations

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“Instigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigation. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigation

noun

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