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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

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 abet Pacific Beach’s single-family housing character is under siege by developers abetted by a handful of politicians, according to Neighbors for a Better California Chair Marcella Bothwell. Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Hadi stages the action here and throughout the movie with fluent energy, abetted by the agile camerawork of Tudor Vladimir Panduru (My Happy Family, Graduation). Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 Twenty years of occupation of Southern Lebanon led to high Israeli and Lebanese casualties and created the conditions that abetted Hezbollah’s rise to power. Andrew P. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2025 The symbiosis of the Trump-Newsom vaudeville act is truly remarkable, each abetting the other’s desire to enhance his image as a warrior for moral righteousness. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • While not classified among the FDA's nine major allergens, sulfites can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals and may provoke asthma attacks in up to 10 percent of people with asthma.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Earlier in the day, Gabbard shared a declassified House Intelligence Committee report, which found the United States intelligence community had no direct evidence Russia wanted to aid President Donald Trump in the 2016 election despite it pushing the claim under Obama’s direction.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2025
  • With that in mind, the company is working to deploy four super agents—one that’s geared toward customers, another that aids associates, a third that works alongside developers and a fourth that targets Walmart’s partners.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • That means staying informed, promoting continuous learning, and guiding others through uncertainty with honesty.
    Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The sheriff’s office said 2,200 people from multiple agencies have been deployed to assist in the recovery efforts.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
  • In a double win for Warners — which is assisting Apple in marketing and distributing the Formula One action-drama — F1 zoomed past $460 million at the worldwide box office over the weekend after finishing Sunday with a domestic total of $153.6 million domestically and $307.2 million overseas.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
  • During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Mark was disappointed, but the poster defended himself, saying he’s helped before and didn’t want to be taken for granted.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • By applying relentless pressure, providing education to the public, and offering alternative solutions, the HFC helped secure significant savings for the American people in the final piece of legislation.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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