Definition of abetnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, 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 abet Period ambiance is kept low-key, mostly relegated to deftly chosen golden oldies (including a closing Sinatra track) that abet Kim Hong-jip and Lee Jin-hee’s original score. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025 Stage one is often abetted by venture capital, as in the case of Uber, which in its early days kept its ride prices artificially low. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Special prosecutors investigating the country’s martial law crisis also indicted on Friday former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who was appointed by Yoon on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury, a prosecution spokesperson said. CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 The book reveals a network of drug trafficking conspiracies that corrupt police abetted and that the military covered up. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The International Shark Attack File, run by the Florida Museum of Natural History, classifies the attacks as provoked or unprovoked based on whether a human initiated the contact.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In an interview with Time later in 2025, Williams denied that her appearance was designed to assist Lamar in dissing Drake.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The technology could also improve performance in collaborative tasks that require physical contact, such as object handling, assisted mobility devices, and service robotics, by allowing robots to continuously adjust grip and contact force during interaction.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Ramstead is a firefighter and paramedic who was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to the rank of captain in 2016.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • This will help maintain a manageable size for indoor growing and promote a bushier appearance.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The tool largely works to integrate a dealerships specific needs into its system and create AI agents that complete tasks to aid the employees.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Hoda Kotb returned to the Today show, filling in this morning for Savannah Guthrie as the anchor continues to aid the search for her mother, Nancy, who was allegedly kidnapped.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Partnership steadies as boundary-setting Saturn arrives, encouraging clear agreements across your closest bonds so your diplomatic style can bring fairness without overgiving.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The evening was more about the vibe; Gelman encourages all guests to dress up in fancy cocktail attire.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Elsa Lemmila scored a career-high 23 points to help Ohio State beat Oregon.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.
    Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on abet

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