incitation

noun

ˌin-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce incitation (audio)
Definition of incitationnext
1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another the rabble-rousing speech was seen by many as an incitation to ethnic violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity a mild heart attack was all the incitation he needed to adopt an exercise regimen and a healthy diet

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 incitation But one chat room over, the server was filled with racist memes, sexist and ableist slurs, antisemitic messages, and incitations of violence against women and people of color. — Ash Parrish, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024 Between these voices of reason and incitation, between these two seemingly different men, lie 22 years of power and five American presidents. — New York Times, 26 Mar. 2022 Bolsonaro will still have to stand trial for accusations of slander and incitation to rape. — Mauricio Savarese, Fox News, 12 Sep. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incitation
  1. excitement
  2. incentive
  3. stimulus
  4. impetus
  5. encouragement
  6. motivation
  7. stimulation
Noun
  • Davide Sgariboldi, general manager at Euroitalia, said that causes excitement.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Erewhon, which launched as a pop-up about a week later, also elicited excitement and some griping, with critics saying the space would be better served by a less expensive option.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • The Port Authority of Kansas City approved incentives for the development earlier this year.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Iowa lawmakers will return to the Statehouse Friday to consider expanding the ceiling on state tax incentives in an effort to secure a $15 billion steel plant project for the state.
    — Hannah Fingerhut, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers have studied how certain facial and auricular stimuli interact with parasympathetic activity.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Yes, money can feel funny right now, and might even be the impetus for some of these changes.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • So there was kind of an ode to that; that was an impetus for this thing.
    — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Sharing stories, experiences, and encouragement creates safe spaces for survivors to begin navigating their own lives.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • His work shows how discipline, resilience and encouragement can help young people find their footing.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In her ultra-popular cycling classes, Griffith offers an hour of relief and release, motivation and inspiration.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The signatures of these AI leaders might not reveal much about their intentions or their motivations.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • As for us, we are engaged in the usual ritual of brewing a cuppa stimulation — our choice today is English breakfast — and foraging for items of interest.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Rigid neckbands deliver heat, vibration or electrical stimulation through EMS or TENS-style pulses.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

incisiveness
incitation
incitations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incitation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All