as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
John Adams's wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would "foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation"
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Recent Examples of foment
Gathered at the Costa Rica Media Market, Latin American industry leaders took the temperature of the independent film scene in the region, zooming into how to successfully enter major markets such as the U.S. and Europe, as well as how to foment and grow local burgeoning industries.
—
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 June 2025
Over the past several days, statements from governments across Europe and the Middle East have been notably muted in their criticism of the actions Israel and the United States took to halt the regime’s capacity to foment instability.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Iran has additionally fomented open revolt against the Saudi monarchy.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
What’s more, around three-quarters of respondents fear being targeted moving forward as adverse sentiments toward the automaker continue to foment.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foment
Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 June 2025
Over the past several days, statements from governments across Europe and the Middle East have been notably muted in their criticism of the actions Israel and the United States took to halt the regime’s capacity to foment instability.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Iran has additionally fomented open revolt against the Saudi monarchy.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
What’s more, around three-quarters of respondents fear being targeted moving forward as adverse sentiments toward the automaker continue to foment.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for foment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foment
Verb
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Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid and directly provokes the body’s inflammatory response.—
Emma Sandler,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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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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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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His connections and insights are expected to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Camb.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foment. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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