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

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 instigate Efforts to fabricate Taiwanese statehood, nationality, or language—instigated from across the ocean—are artificial and, consequently, unsustainable. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 The petition has been instigated by the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), a joint venture between the European Film Academy, the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, the president's chief regulator of broadcast media has instigated investigations of each of the major broadcast outlets – ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR and PBS – save Rupert Murdoch's Fox, which is a corporate sister of the pro-Trump Fox News Channel. David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, there have been mass firings at the FBI, reportedly instigated by Trump hatchet man Kash Patel, who awaits Senate confirmation to head the FBI. Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
  • Over the past eight years, social media platforms have been skillfully manipulated to provoke anger, rage, fear, and distrust, setting individuals and groups against one another.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes, that means getting outside of the Court’s comfort zone of an orderly appeals process when individual judges single-handedly provoke a separation-of-powers crisis.
    The Editors, National Review, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the internet encourages the transformation of antipathy into creative fodder, and enables its dissemination.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Officials encourage Carolinians to stay informed through official emergency sources and call 911 to report any immediate threats.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fraudsters also promote the overstated withholding scheme, encouraging taxpayers to inflate income and withholding on forms like W-2s and 1099s for larger refunds.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The link between the new game and the new platform helped promote a bold alternative to the retail game sales and distribution systems that had dominated PC gaming for decades.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These viral particles continue to multiply or stimulate the immune system in ways that trigger long Covid symptoms.
    Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • On the positive side, home prices often stagnate or decline as demand slows, and the Federal Reserve may lower interest rates to stimulate the economy, making borrowing cheaper.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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