1
as in to provoke
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to encourage
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incite
The army also accused him of maintaining contact with Hezbollah militants and inciting against Israeli troops and civilians, without elaborating.
—
Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Liam Timothy Walsh, 20, of Somerville, Massachusetts was extradited to Connecticut on Tuesday and charged with inciting injury to persons or property, first-degree criminal mischief, unlawful assembly, second-degree breach of peace and first-degree criminal mischief, according to Capt.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incite
Bassem Mroue, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Liam Timothy Walsh, 20, of Somerville, Massachusetts was extradited to Connecticut on Tuesday and charged with inciting injury to persons or property, first-degree criminal mischief, unlawful assembly, second-degree breach of peace and first-degree criminal mischief, according to Capt.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
That exchange incited a deafening roar from the more than 10,000 fans in attendance.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
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But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Analysts have warned such a move could provoke wider retaliation and further destabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.—
Steve Mollman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And there were a number of terrorist organizations that sought to encourage the British to leave, thus creating a united Ireland.—
Colm Tóibín,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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Teammates encouraged her and one even lifted her chin, but the damage was done.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Icon Park attraction will limit capacity, dim lighting, lower the music and disable stimulating exhibits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
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Katzenback recommends four sets of five repetitions with heavy weights to stimulate bone growth.—
Hadia Zainab,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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