incite

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

In some situations, the words abet and incite are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

While in some cases nearly identical to incite, 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 incite Not signing were Yarrow’s partners, Mary Travis and Paul Stookey, which gives a good sense of the internecine warfare Baez’s letter incited among what was once a unified front. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025 Even with the reality TV stars checking in at nearly every event, none incited a bigger frenzy than Lisa Rinna, who made a surprise performance at Jane Wade. Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025 Heck, impeachment failed even after Trump incited a mob to attack the US Capitol and threaten the lives of the members of Congress themselves. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 10 Feb. 2025 An August 2024 report released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused NED of promoting coups, rigging elections, promoting false information, and otherwise inciting division globally. Robert Schmad, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • Even the revelation that settlement talks have been held has provoked news staffers.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The earworm record provokes a sense of longing, one that is uplifting, cathartic and beautiful.
    Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Nope, although Google does encourage all users to switch from passwords and traditional 2FA to the use of passkeys, of course.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Officials encourage Carolinians to stay informed through official emergency sources and call 911 to report any immediate threats.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The jokey, gleefully profane lyrics are stimulating in the moment but then quickly forgotten, like novelty songs in a clever college cabaret.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Such a device could perhaps stimulate different parts of the tongue to, say, determine if the brain was processing sensory signals properly.
    Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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