incites

verb

present tense third-person singular of incite
1
as in provokes
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incites Every day, there’s seemingly some new report or rumor that incites the social media machine. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026 Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine. — Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Critics say the former demands the elimination of the Israeli state – from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea – and incites violence against Jewish people. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them. — Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026 January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026 Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
  1. provokes
  2. encourages
  3. promotes
  4. stimulates
  5. inspires
Verb
  • The film starts in nature, and the whole experience provokes ideas and inspires something closer to poetry than nostalgia.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Homer, the enigmatic poet, still provokes and inspires us all.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • There is an agency in charge of enforcing the rules with the objective of putting guardrails around a spending spree exacerbated by a transfer portal that encourages players to seek better offers from different schools.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Painting outdoors offers a slower, more immersive experience that encourages observation, patience, and connection with nature.
    — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • They were also provided with Qurans and taught that Islam promotes social justice, according to the lawsuit.
    — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Dehnhard also helps displaced orphans, organizes humanitarian aid, promotes educational initiatives, and advocates for children.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • Repeatedly loading the muscles stimulates them to grow bigger and stronger in order to adapt to the demands placed on them.
    — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • Eating it inspires an appreciation for the seamless integration of Mexican and Middle Eastern influences, melding to a state of emphatic brilliance in each bite.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of inspires

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Cite this Entry

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

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