abet

verb

ə-ˈbet How to pronounce abet (audio)
Definition of abetnext
1
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, 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 abet Related article California city criminalizes ‘aiding’ and ‘abetting’ homeless camps One-third of them were in families of at least one adult and one child, the annual survey found, as the number of families with kids experiencing homelessness rose by 39%. — Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025 Feeling somehow responsible, Wendy tries to abet the police search with her own investigating. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025 The result plays well moment-to-moment, much abetted by Nate Hurtsellers’ somberly handsome cinematography, plus a diverse, expressive original score from Macie Stewart and Quinn Tsan. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 The chaotic Trump agenda that Musk is abetting has sent businesses scrambling. — Allison Morrow, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
  1. provoke
  2. aid
  3. promote
  4. assist
  5. encourage
  6. help
Verb
  • Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that the administration maintained confidence in Waltz and said the case was effectively closed, even as the breach provoked bipartisan criticism and opened up divisions inside the White House.
    — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • As an abstraction and comparison machine, Pronouns provokes anxiety, getting at the dangers of correlation.
    — Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of provoke
Verb
  • Ivey’s coaching staff also casts a web of support to protect her from outside noise and aid her vision for the team’s present and future.
    — Sharí Nycole, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
  • It's been nine years — almost to the day — since state legislative Republicans filed the infamous HB2, sparking nationwide backlash that cost the state billions, aided Democrats in winning the governor's mansion and forced Republicans to backtrack.
    — Lucille Sherman, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of aid
Verb
  • In the state legislature, Fine promoted bills on school choice, immigration, combating antisemitism and other issues.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, which in turns promotes cell turnover.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Modern technology assists with navigation, but there’s no substitute for a pilot’s local knowledge.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Morongo Fire Department is assisting with one engine.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of assist
Verb
  • On April 5, disenfranchised Americans are being encouraged to protest the Trump administration's policies as part of a national movement in myriad cities, hosted by a group of older Americans called Third Act.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Foster relationships by encouraging collaboration, recognizing contributions and making space for real conversations, not just work talk.
    — Erin Stafford, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Please help show my baby that other badass women are out there!
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2025
  • For example, whenever one of the kids had a spelling bee, everyone in the car would help recite the words.
    — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of help

Browse Nearby Words

aberrations
abet
abetment
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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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