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 John Tunstall’s store, the establishment of which instigated the Lincoln County Wars, is still stocked with original 19th-century merchandise such as ammunition and men’s suit buttons. — Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026 Prosecutors concluded that the Boulis murder, though instigated by his dispute with Kidan, was Moscatiello’s idea alone. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026 In addition to Contreras, interim manager Chad Tracy was also ejected (for the first time in his career) after a long conversation with umpires, seemingly upset that Cavalli wasn’t punished for instigating. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 1 July 2026 After notching two goals in the team’s 4-1 win over Paraguay on June 12, Balogun instigated the American scoring, in the 11th minute, on Friday. — Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate

Verb

But this latest barrage is both broader and more intense, largely because Ukraine’s recent successes, particularly inside Russia, have provoked Putin to try to reclaim battlefield momentum.

— Ian Bremmer, Time, 31 July 2026
Consumer price index and personal consumption expenditures readings can sometimes yield different outcomes – and provoke disagreement – regarding the direction that prices are heading.

— Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

Boundless San Francisco, which encourages out-of-the-box ideas, echoes the venture capital ethos, Crankstart Chief Executive Officer Missy Narula said.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
The communication drills are intended to encourage first-line fighters to be more self-reliant and effective in battle, experts say.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Veterinary experts share tips on how to care for the items that come into contact with our furry companions to promote good health and stave off odors.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
It is commonly used in sports medicine, regenerative medicine and wellness settings with the goal of promoting the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

In winter, the plant thrives with nighttime temperatures between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit to stimulate spring flowers.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
These plant pests stimulate the Mexican petunia foliage to grow hairlike portions that form the white patches.

— Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulate

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instead

instigate

instigated

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“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigate

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