1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigate
Bunny would instigate it by doing a binky in front of my dog.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Ready to instigate bringing people together?
—USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Events in both works are instigated by a reunion and propelled by family feuds that reopen old wounds.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
The suspect appeared to be instigating a fight inside the park.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Ready to instigate bringing people together?
—USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Events in both works are instigated by a reunion and propelled by family feuds that reopen old wounds.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025
The suspect appeared to be instigating a fight inside the park.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instigate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigate
Verb
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Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available, according to the release.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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The Last of Us star got their first role in season 6 of Game of Thrones at 11 years old, and has their parents to thank for encouraging their career.—
Makena Gera,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Specifically, short-chain fatty acids nourish the cells within your gut lining, promoting a healthy intestinal barrier and mucus production and lowering inflammation.—
Beth Krietsch,
SELF,
7 Apr. 2025
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But Schmitz says evidence from animal models suggests that physical activity triggers a series of chemical reactions in cells that promote health in multiple ways.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The importance of daylight The infrared light found in daylight can modulate inflammation, stimulate collagen production, prevent neurodegeneration, and even optimize mitochondria, which produce energy inside our cells.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
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Greece started its golden visa program in 2013 to stabilize housing prices and stimulate growth in a country facing a recession, skyrocketing unemployment, and austerity measures imposed by international lenders.—
Meehika Barua,
HubSpot,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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