incite

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

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 incite Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2025 Real Madrid incites controversy, writes false articles, and questions everything. Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 The Democrat and the Gazette even blamed the Black residents of Elaine for the violence and the Black periodicals the Chicago Defender and The Crisis (the NAACP’s magazine) for inciting racial hatred. Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made By History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 The rampage will eliminate oversight of Russian propaganda on social media and incite U.S. corporations to commit bribery overseas. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • Over the past eight years, social media platforms have been skillfully manipulated to provoke anger, rage, fear, and distrust, setting individuals and groups against one another.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes, that means getting outside of the Court’s comfort zone of an orderly appeals process when individual judges single-handedly provoke a separation-of-powers crisis.
    The Editors, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On the positive side, the increase in applications from students of color and the growing diversity of the applicant pool are encouraging signs of progress toward more significant equity in higher education.
    Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Try to encourage the bird to perch atop a broom or other tall pole and escort it toward an open door.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These viral particles continue to multiply or stimulate the immune system in ways that trigger long Covid symptoms.
    Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • On the positive side, home prices often stagnate or decline as demand slows, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest rates to stimulate the economy, making borrowing cheaper.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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