ABET Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

abet

verb

ə-ˈbet

Definition of abet

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to assist

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 Klay Thompson, 36, and DeMar DeRozan, 37 this week, are reported targets, with perhaps also Bradley Beal, 33, and whippersnapper Zach LaVine, 31, as Heat eyes backcourt/playmaking/perimeter help to abet the Giannis/Bam core. — Greg Cote august 2, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 Apple on Friday sued OpenAI in federal court, alleging the ChatGPT maker stole company secrets, abetted by ex-Apple employees. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 10 July 2026 Donaldson’s wife, Eleanor Donaldson, was found to have aided and abetted her husband’s offenses for witnessing the abuse and doing nothing to intervene. — ABC News, 22 June 2026 The state alleges OpenAI has harmed children and general consumers and that ChatGPT may have aided and abetted the mass shooting at Florida State University last year. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

Corben has previously clashed with Gabela and Gabela’s wife, Mariela, who have accused Corben of provoking them to get views for his content.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
Keitel’s Feraud keeps provoking the feud; Carradine’s D’Hubert recognizes its madness but remains too bound by the same code of honor to walk away.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

University police, the Hanover County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted several other federal and state agencies with the investigation, which is ongoing.

— Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
From last fall through late April, the program had handled 138 calls, most of which sorted into the check well-being category (62) or the citizen assist one (56).

— Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of assist

Verb

Earlier this year, the diner rolled out the Fiesta Chicken Protein Bowl, promoting the dish's 52 grams of protein.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The key takeaway is that dietary protein and resistance training work together to promote muscle growth and maintain strength.

— Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

Some political actors are warning that a vote during wartime, which would require changes to Ukraine’s constitution and other laws, could aid Russia by destabilizing the government and dividing society.

— David L. Stern, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the Continental Park residents, aided by the larger and politically influential Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations, are gearing up to fight the applications.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of aid

Verb

While the colors blend in with the landscape and may draw your eye outside, the rooms also encourage procrastinating.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Lee told the Queen that her husband’s candidness has encouraged many to feel more comfortable with their own cancer journeys.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Cite this Entry

Style

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abet

verb

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