INSTIGATE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'instigate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet , foment , and incite . While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. // instigated a conspiracy

Q: In what contexts can 'abet' take the place of 'instigate'?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'foment' instead of 'instigate'?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: When would 'incite' be a good substitute for 'instigate'?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt

Definition of instigate next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instigate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet, foment, and incite. While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

In what contexts can abet take the place of instigate?

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

aiding and abetting the enemy

When is it sensible to use foment instead of instigate?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would incite be a good substitute for instigate?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of instigate Little signs of humanity appeared in every direction, quietly defusing what could have become a disaster instigated by fear. —

Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026 The angry crowd grew at nightfall, instigated by word of mouth and local radio broadcasts. —

Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 There also is a contingent inside CBS News and the overall network that views some of the changes Weiss has instigated as long overdue for a 21st century media organization. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 June 2026 Take our once respected monarchy, for instance, which was instigated through a popular referendum as part of national independence in 1905. —

Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instigate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate

Verb

Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.

— Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of provoke

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.

— David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.

— Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
The company threw a lavish caviar party at Cannes and in May hosted panels promoting its cinematic tool at Amazon’s AI on the Lot event in Culver City.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

Inside, soy proteins repair and strengthen, copper peptides stimulate keratin production–aka the protein that fortifies and minimizes frizz–and pro-B vitamins amplify fullness.

— Ellie Davis, Vogue, 25 June 2026
Deadheading spent blooms will stimulate the plant to produce more flowers.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 25 June 2026