1
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
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigate
This is not the first time political arguments over health care policy have instigated a government shutdown.
—
Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Urbieta’s feature debut is an instigating social drama that follows the tensions between a couple after an encounter with migrants trying to cross the river between the two countries.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Urbieta’s feature debut is an instigating social drama that follows the tensions between a couple after an encounter with migrants trying to cross the river between the two countries.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
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The combined vaccine has been extensively studied and consistently shown to provoke an immune response comparable to what’s seen when the individual vaccines are given separately, and without raising the risk of serious side effects.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
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Things that are shocking and terrible provoke our curiosity; if nothing ever went wrong, there would be no newspapers.—
Caity Weaver,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
10 Oct. 2025
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Eating seasonally encourages a more varied diet that can support overall health and help the body adapt to seasonal changes.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To avoid tired, swollen feet, swap your ankle socks out for these Charmking compression socks, which promote good blood circulation in the air.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Oct. 2025
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Leo will soon embark on his first international trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to focus on promoting peace in the Middle East.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Certain probiotics also stimulate intestinal muscles to contract more effectively, which can move stool in your colon.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
10 Oct. 2025
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Programs where major companies stimulate the market for clean technologies have an important role to play and will need to continue and expand.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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