1
as in provokes
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
2
as in encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of instigates
This impasse instigates the Ten Plagues, which are listed below in English and Hebrew.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
Verb
-
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The scene of the two boys discussing Kayda is kind of funny, especially the number of times Zach laughs and encourages Bryce to go for it.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
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The new standard encourages companies to prioritize direct emissions reductions across operations and value chains, while at the same time adjusting systems within their operation where direct decarbonization isn’t possible.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Swimming also promotes heart health.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Insoluble fiber helps move food through your digestive tract, while soluble fiber promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
When someone encounters a threat, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
-
Having more muscle is beneficial, since muscle mass stimulates bone formation, Matzkin explained.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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