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

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 foment One of the great joys of serving in the United States military is that soldiers from many different backgrounds and races learn to come together as a unit to complete the mission at hand, but the Biden Administration seemed hellbent on creating and fomenting racial division. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 That, in turn, could foment more anti-immigrant attitudes and possibly violence. William McCorkle, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 These groups are purposefully spending millions to attack companies, fomenting polarization to support their views, with no regard for the personal wellbeing of millions of employees, or the financial wellbeing of corporations and their shareholders. Paolo Gaudiano, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 The outcome is that this creates a lot of distrust and foments a hostile attitude towards scientists and those trying to research the topic methodically, Rojas said. Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for foment

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Cite this Entry

“Foment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foment. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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