INSTIGATE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt

Definition of instigate

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

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

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 Instead, the Citizens’ Council, a white supremacist organization, claimed Williams instigated the riots. — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 Now, may the righteous stand taken against FIFA by the powerful European federation instigate the real change that’s been much too long overdue. — Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 But Beijing’s pressure backfired by instigating broader public support for her leadership. — Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Those same cartels instigated the crisis that gripped Mexico during my travels. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate

Verb

By the mid-nineteenth century, the it-narrative began to interest authors invested less in provoking excitement than in guiding the moral development of their readers.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Ukraine’s recent strikes into Russia also have exposed weaknesses in Russia’s air defenses, which could prompt Putin to think twice about provoking a retaliatory attack.

— Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

Producer and 10 Lives founder and CEO Daniel Catullo set the stage for such a party by introducing the film and encouraging audience members to get out of their seats during the showing and record clips of the doc.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
So his church—which has raised many millions of dollars for good causes, and operates a local food pantry and food truck—decided to distribute lawn signs simply encouraging people to be kind.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

When applied to the scalp, certain peptides can send signals that promote follicle function, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and strengthen the tissue surrounding the follicle.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

Chan’s parents always treated their back pain from laborious food industry jobs with acupuncture and cupping, the practice of using cups or suction on the skin to stimulate blood flow and the flow of chi, or energy.

— Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Featured in over-the-counter topical products, the vitamin A derivative is found ubiquitously in anti-aging skin-care products, selected for its ability to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulate

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instigated

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“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigate

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