incite

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

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

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

While in some cases nearly identical to incite, 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 incite Critics argue that the phrase may incite antisemitic violence; Mamdani has countered that such interpretations are misguided. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 June 2025 Musk made sweeping changes after taking over the site, firing huge numbers of personnel and reversing account bans for users who had been booted from the platform after posting hate speech or inciting violence. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 July 2025 In the end, Thomas becomes popular at school, but is convicted on several criminal charges, including contributing to the delinquency of minors and inciting a riot. Beth Sobol, People.com, 8 July 2025 The proposal incited swift community backlash and a petition that called for the library’s preservation at the park. Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite
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
  • 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
  • The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
  • But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

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