ABET Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abet' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment , incite , and instigate . While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When might 'foment' be a better fit than 'abet'?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: When can 'incite' be used instead of 'abet'?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

Q: In what contexts can 'instigate' take the place of 'abet'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet , instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. // instigated a conspiracy

abet

verb

ə-ˈbet

Definition of abet next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to aid

to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

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 abet Ravenel’s research into the dynamics of ice and terrain at high altitudes is abetted by his climbing skills. —

Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025 Across the Arab world, the general sense is that the United States aided, abetted, and armed a genocide against the Palestinian people. —

Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 Han’s impeachment motion accuses him of collaborating and abetting Yoon’s declaration of martial law. —

Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024 But deepening polarization purposefully abetted by U.S. policies blocked a peaceful compromise. —

Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

The new policies have created fears in the immigrant communities across the U.S., and provoked criticism from regional leaders who have long criticized the U.S. for sending back migrants, especially those accused of committing crimes in the U.S.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
But the bigger picture here is that media, entertainment and tech companies are facing a pivotal moment in the second Trump era, and many are choosing to try to placate the new administration rather than provoke more ire.

— Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025