Synonyms of foment

foment

verb

ˈfō-ˌment 

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

John Adams's wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would "foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• promote
• raise
• encourage
• incite
• instigate
• trigger
• ferment
• stimulate
• abet
• cultivate
• stir (up)
• set in motion
• pick
• whip (up)
• brew
• foster
• inspire
• further
• nurture
• sow
• motivate
• forward
• nourish
• rouse
• advance
• detonate
• inflame
• set off
• galvanize
• excite
• activate
• energize
• enliven
• invigorate
• enflame
• set
• quicken
• jazz (up)
• vitalize
• fire
• liven (up)
• pep (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regulate
• inhibit
• restrain
• discourage
• hold
• constrain
• curb
• check
• tame
• rein (in)
• allay
• subdue
• settle
• soothe
• calm
• bridle
• quiet
• still
• tranquilize
• tranquillize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb foment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foment are abet, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would abet be a good substitute for foment?

The words abet and foment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

Where would incite be a reasonable alternative to foment?

The words incite and foment 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

When could instigate be used to replace foment?

The meanings of instigate and foment largely overlap; however, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foment

The effort kicked off last summer, when 74 fellows (out of roughly 1,600) sent a letter to the Royal Society’s leadership, reportedly out of concern that Musk’s X posts were fomenting racial violence in the United Kingdom and could therefore bring the institution into disrepute. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025

Even with fomenting concerns, some analysts have recently offered rosier commentary on at least a few powerhouses in tech and retail: Wedbush said last week that Palantir (PLTR-11.20%) remains bound for a $1 trillion market cap. —Harri Weber, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025

While In Office By Henry Burke Senior Researcher at The Revolving Door Project Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member opinion 9 In a short span, the Trump administration has already fomented multiple crises and the public has taken notice. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Throughout history, these mass gatherings were suppressed by the Catholic Church and insecure democratic governments, which worried that sprees of ecstatic reverie would foment social revolution. —Barrett Swanson, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

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