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

Back then, a single team coming together to put a pair of climbers on a summit incited national celebration. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025

Aaron, the ICEBlock creator, has denied that the app was intended to incite violence against law enforcement. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

Raven’s marvel of a case study recapitulates the dissonance whereby cycles—political, social, structural, ecological—continue, monuments are created and destroyed and momentum is incited and frustrated, all while costs continue to mount. —Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

The Miami Marlins incited grumbling across the sport as the organization embarked on several newfangled initiatives in 2025. —Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025