INCITE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

incite

verb

in-ˈsīt

Definition of incite next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of incite Trump incited a violent insurrection and continues to present an ongoing threat to our democracy. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The vice president’s remarks came at a venue that sought to remind voters of what happened after Trump lost the 2020 election, when his comments incited rioters to storm the U.S. Capitol in hopes of stopping the results from being certified. —

Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 After years of name mix-ups, Halle Bailey is inciting even more confusion by becoming Halle Berry for Halloween. —

Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 The racist comment incited widespread outrage among prominent Puerto Ricans, including many influential figures in media and entertainment. —

Thania Garcia, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite

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