instigates

verb

present tense third-person singular of instigate
1
as in provokes
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

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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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
  1. provokes
  2. encourages
  3. promotes
  4. stimulates
Verb
  • The second provokes disappointment, but both provide closure.
    — Alejandro Cárdenas Villa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In my own research, threatening a man’s sense of manhood – but not a woman’s womanhood – reliably provokes aggression, and the men who react most strongly are those who feel the most pressure to live up to masculine ideals.
    — Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 20 July 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • More of them are asking for telehealth visits, an option the clinic offers and encourages to abate patients’ fears that visiting the doctor could lead to a run-in with ICE, according to Motorwala.
    — Michelle Marchante July 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • The company’s campaign directs people experiencing involuntary movements to their dedicated website and encourages them to consult healthcare providers.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • Prior to ​the ⁠verdict, the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent non-profit organization that promotes press ⁠freedom ​worldwide, said 29 journalists ​were imprisoned in Russia in connection with their work.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 29 July 2026
  • Between such posts, Wall Street Mav promotes Kalshi betting odds.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • The percussive vibration unclogs impurities and excess sebum while the accompanying massage motion stimulates blood microcirculation and supports lymphatic drainage—exactly the mechanisms Cirino prioritizes in his professional treatments.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • This could be because glycolic acid stimulates collagen production and cell turnover and proliferation (the production of new skin cells).
    — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 July 2026
Definition of stimulates

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Cite this Entry

“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on instigates

Nglish: Translation of instigates for Spanish Speakers

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