foment

verb

ˈfō-ˌment How to pronounce foment (audio)
Definition of fomentnext
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being John Adams's wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would "foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb foment contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of foment are abet, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would abet be a good substitute for foment?

The words abet and foment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

Where would incite be a reasonable alternative to foment?

The words incite and foment 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

When could instigate be used to replace foment?

The meanings of instigate and foment largely overlap; however, 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 foment In recent years, Russia has used NIS as a geopolitical tool to fund a range of malign influence operations in Serbia, from fomenting protests to fueling anti-American propaganda. — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Amid this context, Miranda arrived in New York City in the fall of 1805 with plans to find allies for a scheme to foment a war for independence. — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026 After an arduously long winter, these narrow, modestly sized shops have been—with a suddenness and intensity that only TikTok and Instagram can foment—thronged. — David Kamp, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Meanwhile, the neighboring country of Sylvania is trying to foment revolution in Freedonia. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foment
  1. provoke
  2. promote
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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

folly
foment
fomented
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Cite this Entry

“Foment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foment. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on foment

Nglish: Translation of foment for Spanish Speakers

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