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 Philippi also repeatedly espoused his adherence to white supremacist and accelerationist ideologies which promote the idea that a destabilizing terrorist attack on something like the nation's energy sectors could serve to incite unrest that leads to civil war, prosecutors said. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 But the journalist didn’t mention what incited the longest silence. Jeannie Vanasco september 8, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 And, heck, even Friday, particularly with Travis Kelce indulging and inciting fans at Neo Quimica Arena with dance moves during warmups before the Chiefs took on the Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025 He was arrested in Heathrow Airport over the weekend for allegedly inciting violence in that and similar posts made in April, and claims he was told not to use X as a condition of his bail. Samantha Riedel, Them., 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
Verb
  • Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Prolonged isolation in detention can provoke psychological symptoms, including paranoia, PTSD and depression, that can lead to suicide, Peeler said.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, playful responsiveness stimulates the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system linked to relaxation and safety.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Salmon Salmon is rich in omega-3 and vitamin D, and helps to stimulate collagen production within the skin.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incite. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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