INSTIGATES Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

instigates

verb

present tense third-person singular of instigate

as in provokes

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

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as in encourages

to rouse to strong feeling or action the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism

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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 instigates This impasse instigates the Ten Plagues, which are listed below in English and Hebrew. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media. — Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025 What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine? — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025 Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025 Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke. — Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates

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

An adult user usually has a preferred seat height that promotes comfort and security.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Eli Lilly is also suing Aesthetic Envy, a California med spa that promotes retatrutide, and Striker Pharmacy, which has made a version of the experimental drug.

— Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of promotes

Verb

Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026
Microneedling stimulates your own collagen with minimal downtime, while a series of light to medium chemical peels can brighten the complexion, improve texture and help fade residual summer discoloration.

— Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulates

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instigates

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“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigates

verb

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