INSTIGATE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'instigate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet , foment , and incite . While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. // instigated a conspiracy

Q: In what contexts can 'abet' take the place of 'instigate'?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'foment' instead of 'instigate'?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: When would 'incite' be a good substitute for 'instigate'?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt

Definition of instigate next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instigate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet, foment, and incite. While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

In what contexts can abet take the place of instigate?

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

aiding and abetting the enemy

When is it sensible to use foment instead of instigate?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would incite be a good substitute for instigate?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of instigate No disciplinary action was taken against the classmate who, according to email records, instigated the Sept. 5 exchange of rap lyrics. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 The trade war Trump instigated in his first term imposed nearly $80 billion worth of new taxes on Americans, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank. —

Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024 But later in the film, it’s discovered that the NFFA has a secret agenda and has sent in armed mercenaries to instigate violence and kill members of low-income communities. —

Keith Langston, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024 But it has been reported that many of the accounts belonged to supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was accused of instigating the January 8, 2023, attack on the Brazilian Congress after his election loss. —

Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate

Verb

Thomas’ win in the NCAA swimming championships provoked particular ire.

Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Rhesus monkeys are typically 19-21 inches in length, weigh around 12-17 lbs., and can become aggressive if provoked.

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024