1
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to encourage
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incite
It has been banned on numerous occasions due to accusations of inciting violence, most recently in 2024.
—
Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025
Omega-6 fats, taking the form of linoleic acid in seed oils, have been blamed for inciting inflammation.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
In more recent years, comedy has come under fire for being insensitive and inciting scandals.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025
Omega-6 fats, taking the form of linoleic acid in seed oils, have been blamed for inciting inflammation.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
In more recent years, comedy has come under fire for being insensitive and inciting scandals.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
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Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that the administration maintained confidence in Waltz and said the case was effectively closed, even as the breach provoked bipartisan criticism and opened up divisions inside the White House.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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As an abstraction and comparison machine, Pronouns provokes anxiety, getting at the dangers of correlation.—
Mara Mills,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
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The frantic trading, which sent stocks spiking before plummeting again, showed how investors are operating on a hair trigger and are eager for any sign of encouraging news.—
Chris Megerian,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Access to the leaves will stimulate scientific research that will objectively assess coca’s medical and therapeutic potential and benefits, with the ultimate goal of making available for all people a plant that promises to improve their well-being and ease the day-to-day challenges of their lives.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
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As the moon and Mars collide, rushing toward your future stimulates unnecessary stress.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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