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
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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
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Recent Examples of incites
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
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
Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 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
This incites the monster to kill Frankenstein’s wife, Elizabeth, shortly after she and the mad scientist have been married.
—Alison Eldridge, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Feb. 2026
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
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
Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 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
This incites the monster to kill Frankenstein’s wife, Elizabeth, shortly after she and the mad scientist have been married.
—Alison Eldridge, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
Verb
-
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and giving shout-outs to active viewers fosters a sense of community and encourages continued engagement.—
Adam Rumanek,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2026
-
The moon in Taurus encourages you to go with the flow and stop forcing an outcome.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Bryan's Farm Tour helps support family farms across the country and promotes a festival-like atmosphere at those venues.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
-
Winners of the Golden Apple Awards go on to help train and mentor the next generation of teachers, Mather said, which promotes a valuable sense of community.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
Verb
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By delivering low-frequency electrical pulses, the implant stimulates those receptors and influences how the body responds to rising blood pressure.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
-
The caffeine in coffee stimulates the bowels.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
11 May 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
19 May 2026
-
The Taurus new moon inspires thinking about cycles of life, death, and rebirth.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incites. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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