1
as in provokes
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encourages
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
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 incites
The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest.
—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half.
—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.
—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Critics say the former demands the elimination of the Israeli state – from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea – and incites violence against Jewish people.
—
Cnn.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them.
—
Sarah James,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light.
—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change.
—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half.
—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.
—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Critics say the former demands the elimination of the Israeli state – from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea – and incites violence against Jewish people.
—
Cnn.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them.
—
Sarah James,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light.
—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change.
—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
Verb
-
This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
-
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
Verb
-
Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
-
Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data.
Verb
-
Fiber helps support digestive health, promotes fullness, and may contribute to healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
-
The Roots 101 African American Museum promotes an understanding and appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and art, as does the Muhammad Ali Center.
Verb
-
But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
-
This hormone improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion.
Verb
-
July 23 – August 22 Leo, your playful spark inspires teamwork now.
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
Cite this Entry
“Incites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incites. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
