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

There has been no shortage of excitement surrounding Bank of America Stadium the past several days — and that enthusiasm will continue through the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night.

— Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
It’s been so cool to see all of the audience reception and theories and the excitement that people have for the character in the show is beyond me.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

The impetus for restructuring Part D was the lack of a cap on patient out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The missing piece Hellerstein had been working on putting together the museum’s Ebbets Field room for about seven years, but Judy’s death was the impetus for completing the project.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Al Ahli, who are set to lose their manager Matthias Jaissle to Newcastle United, had shortlisted Slot as a potential replacement, but are unlikely to receive any encouragement.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026
But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Their movements are tracked, conversations are restricted, decisions are tightly controlled, and accomplishments are rewarded with superficial incentives.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some lawmakers are calling for the incentive to be scaled back or eliminated altogether.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

And Obama was being seen at the time as being completely irresponsible in pursuing stimulus.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
The services economy, more efficient technology, work-from-home policies and strong fiscal stimulus from tax decreases have enabled us to weather short-term oil spikes.

— Dryden Pence, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
These cultures stem from varied motivations, including wellness, entrepreneurship, and historical advocacy, rather than a monolithic consumer identity.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Sustainable performance is built by protecting attention, strengthening human connection and creating space for reflection, learning and purpose—not by constant digital stimulation.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Tim Stockwell, who headed the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research from 2004 to 2020, said adding the stimulation of energy drinks to the impaired judgment caused by alcohol is a recipe for risky behavior.

— Ashley Okwuosa, STAT, 30 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigation

noun

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