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incited; inciting
: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for incite
incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action.
incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.
inciting a riot
instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.
instigated a conspiracy
abet implies both assisting and encouraging.
aiding and abetting the enemy
foment implies persistence in goading.
fomenting rebellion
Examples of incite in a Sentence
The news incited widespread fear and paranoia.
the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is investigating Yoon for abuse of power and inciting insurrection, along with several members of his cabinet.
—Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
From the moment Sandoval arrives at the castle in Episode 1, his mere presence incites derision.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025
Despite his supporters’ efforts to downplay and forget it, Trump was directly responsible for inciting the 2020 Insurrection which is now part of American history and will continue to be a stain on his presidency.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025
According to the charging document, Bard used a megaphone outside the Capitol to incite rioters and shoved an officer in the process.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
incite
transitive verb
in·cite
in-ˈsīt
incited; inciting
: to bring into being : induce to exist or occur
organisms that readily incited antibody formation
Legal Definition
incite
transitive verb
in·cite
in-ˈsīt
incited; inciting
: to urge on
incite a riot
incitement
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on incite
Nglish: Translation of incite for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of incite for Arabic Speakers
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