incite

verb

in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
Definition of incitenext
1
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
2
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

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 incite Au is accused of providing false information to anti-China organizations overseas to incite hatred against Beijing and the government in Macao, which has become a Chinese casino hub. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 But during his visit, the fifth in line to the British throne incited more controversy by lashing out publicly after a High Court judge delivered a devastating ruling in his lawsuit against the Daily Mail. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 The incident and imagery of it ignited weeks of emotional discourse by fans and pundits across the media landscape, and often incited racial debates. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 The Church of Scientology has accused Remini of inciting violence against members of the church. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
  1. provoke
  2. encourage
  3. stimulate
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
  • 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
Verb
  • According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Lactobacillus rhamnosus can stimulate immune responses that promote or prevent specific allergic symptoms.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Strength training, in particular, helps stimulate bone growth and may boost bone mineral density.
    — Jessica Starr, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulate

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incite
incited
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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Nglish: Translation of incite for Spanish Speakers

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