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

So that was kind of the the impetus and interest inside of Amazon.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 July 2026
The visit also gave new impetus to economic ties, with both countries agreeing to rapidly increase bilateral trade, expand cooperation in economic forums such as the World Trade Organization, and establish a financial dialogue mechanism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

For those future divorcees, Lau has some encouragement from the other side.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Disney also introduced a first-of-its-kind red carpet activation at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, where cast members and guests stopped at a life-size interactive lily pad to write messages of encouragement for children in hospitals.

— Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Cordero’s visit to Costa Rica feeds into a wider picture in Latin America, as more countries inaugurate tax breaks and incentives.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
State and local incentives from South Carolina and Greenville County account for approximately $200 million.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The next frontier of value will not be the fastest answer or the most personalized stimulus.

— Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Cantone said in an interview with the Herald that Guarino gave her an electro-stimulation device to use on the left side of her face in the days following the initial procedure.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
The new World Health Organization guidelines recommend cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, and participation in a variety of social activities for adults with both normal cognition as well as mild impairment.

— Kathleen Felton, Time, 21 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigation

noun

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