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

Examples 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 My recent research with colleagues Raghu Garud, Nelson Phillips, and Llewellyn Thomas explains why: stakeholders, including investors, business partners and employees, often abet deception when entrepreneurs begin to embellish reality. —

Iese Business School, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 But having a right-wing government in Chile was not really vital to American global credibility in a bipolar world, and the leftist government was not nearly enough of a security threat to justify abetting its overthrow. —

Joseph S. Nye Jr., Foreign Affairs, 30 Nov. 2023 Ultimately, the pair’s sensual love story is tested by revelations that force Isabel to reckon with the Netherlands’ role in abetting the Holocaust, and her family’s in silencing its survivors. —

The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 Yinka-Ogunleye thinks the decline was real, abetted by COVID-19 social distancing restrictions in 2020. —

Byjon Cohen, science.org, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

Thomas’ win in the NCAA swimming championships provoked particular ire.

Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Rhesus monkeys are typically 19-21 inches in length, weigh around 12-17 lbs., and can become aggressive if provoked.

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024