Synonyms of incite

incite

verb

in-ˈsīt 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• inspire
• stir
• arouse
• excite
• motivate
• instigate
• spark
• induce
• move
• motive
• fire (up)
• rev (up)
• trigger
• pique
• drive
• ignite
• impassion
• inflame
• galvanize
• anger
• foment
• activate
• energize
• enflame
• build a fire under
• animate
• set off
• bother
• vitalize
• enrage
• quicken
• kindle
• abet
• fan
• ferment
• annoy
• whip (up)
• key (up)
• upset
• aggravate
• taunt
• tease
• pump up
• irritate
• raise
• exasperate
• get
• jeer
• vex
• gall
• madden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquillize
• tranquilize
• mollify

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

In some situations, the words abet and incite are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

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

instigated a conspiracy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incite

Local leaders and former federal officials say deploying soldiers could potentially incite more violence due to their lack of training on community policing. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 22 Aug. 2025

By 2024, the couple felt ready to re-enter the fickle Oakland housing market, where properties are often deliberately underpriced in order to incite bidding wars. —Mark Kreidler, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

After arriving in Maybrook to stay with Alex and his parents, Gladys takes control of Mr. and Mrs. Lilly, and swears Alex to secrecy with a demonstration of her ability to incite violence in her captives. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025

Trump himself had incited the riot, which is also an act of treason. —Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025