1
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to aid
to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end
car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abet
Pacific Beach’s single-family housing character is under siege by developers abetted by a handful of politicians, according to Neighbors for a Better California Chair Marcella Bothwell.
—
Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Hadi stages the action here and throughout the movie with fluent energy, abetted by the agile camerawork of Tudor Vladimir Panduru (My Happy Family, Graduation).
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Twenty years of occupation of Southern Lebanon led to high Israeli and Lebanese casualties and created the conditions that abetted Hezbollah’s rise to power.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2025
The symbiosis of the Trump-Newsom vaudeville act is truly remarkable, each abetting the other’s desire to enhance his image as a warrior for moral righteousness.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Hadi stages the action here and throughout the movie with fluent energy, abetted by the agile camerawork of Tudor Vladimir Panduru (My Happy Family, Graduation).
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Twenty years of occupation of Southern Lebanon led to high Israeli and Lebanese casualties and created the conditions that abetted Hezbollah’s rise to power.
—Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2025
The symbiosis of the Trump-Newsom vaudeville act is truly remarkable, each abetting the other’s desire to enhance his image as a warrior for moral righteousness.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
-
Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid and directly provokes the body’s inflammatory response.—
Emma Sandler,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Britain's move will almost certainly provoke an angry response from Israel and the U.S.—
Henry Austin,
NBC news,
29 July 2025
Verb
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With that in mind, the company is working to deploy four super agents—one that’s geared toward customers, another that aids associates, a third that works alongside developers and a fourth that targets Walmart’s partners.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
24 July 2025
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Earlier in the day, Gabbard shared a declassified House Intelligence Committee report, which found the United States intelligence community had no direct evidence Russia wanted to aid President Donald Trump in the 2016 election despite it pushing the claim under Obama’s direction.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Ads have popped up around NYC promoting Roan’s next single, teasing an August 1st release date.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The unidentified man was pulled toward McDonald, who assisted in knocking him to the ground, according to the statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
1 Aug. 2025
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The fire marshal’s office and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit were also summoned to assist with the investigation.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Mark was disappointed, but the poster defended himself, saying he’s helped before and didn’t want to be taken for granted.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
27 July 2025
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With every case approved, every family reunited, and every dream realized, the firm helps improve lives.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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